Roman Bronze Punched Tabula Ansata for Titus of Legio V Macedonica

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

2 1/8 in. (5.56 grams, 54 mm).

Sheet bronze appliqué with lateral tabs pierced for attachment, pointillé legend 'T[I] V LE[GIO] / MACE / DO [NICA]' translating to: Titus, member of the Legio V Macedonica.

Provenance

Ex British private collection, acquired 1980s.
with Art Ancient, 2016.
Property of a North London collector.

Literature

Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 68, for a tabula ansata in similar style.

Footnotes

These tabulae ansatae with pointillé decoration were used for votive inscriptions to the gods, offered on the occasion of a vow made during a situation of danger or an invocation of help to the gods. They were often used in the military field, as appliques to indicate the ownership of the weapons. A particularly important example is the one found in Carnuntum dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, offered by the centurion Titius Moderatus of the Legio XI Gemina. In our case the inscription could refer to a certain Titus, member of the Legio V Macedonica.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0669