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LOT 0134
Roman Bronze Ram's Head Finial
1ST CENTURY B.C.-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (87 grams, 37 mm).
Naturalistically modelled in the round, coat formed of tightly-curled tufts, notched and curled horns; neck formed as oval-shaped socket.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LiteratureCf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 51.178, for a comparable head.
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
3rd-4th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Composed of a hollowed truncated conical socket, with a curved arm to each side, one ending in a phallic shape, the other ending with a closed fist. 26.1 grams, 55 mm
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Roman phallic amulets are represented by many examples preserved in museums and private collections, with a vast variety of types. This specimen belongs to category of double phallus, even if one of the male attributes is here represented as a fist. These amulets were worn as a wish for fertility and virile power, often hung on horses as harness pendants. -
Roman Gemstone with Lion Face
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
The animal depicted incuse on domed face of a polished garnet cabochon; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.73 grams, 12 mm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Gold Chain Bracelet
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Composed of slender gold links with coiled collars, openwork hook-and-eye clasps, bead to one shoulder and central silver-coloured dolphin charm; in two sections. 6.30 grams total, 10.2-12.2 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
