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LOT 0583
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (35.4 grams, 67 mm).
Comprising a crescent formed from a phallus and an arm with the hand in the fica gesture, loop above and male genitals below.
ProvenanceProperty of a London gentleman, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 760, for type.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Phallic Amulet
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Comprising male genitals flanked by stubby phalloi above, pierced suspension lug. 19.1 grams, 34 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. -
Roman Carnelian Scorpion Gemstone
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
With intaglio scorpion with curved tail; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.52 grams, 11 mm
From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London. -
Roman Bronze Apex Mount with Felines
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Two military mounts, each roughly triangular with a curved underside; the smaller with a feline modelled in the round at the narrow end; the larger with a similar animal amf comma-leaf detailing at the wider end. 78.2 grams total, 53-67 mm
Found Hampshire, UK.
The comma-leaf ornament on the larger piece is indicative of Roman military metalwork around the time of the conquest of Gaul (circa 55 B.C.), after which large numbers of local troops were recruited into the Roman army. Gallic ornaments of La Tène style influenced the equipment of the legions formed at this time.