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LOT 0618
Roman Bronze Ring with Lion
CIRCA 2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.58 grams, 24.46 mm overall, 19.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)).
The narrow hoop expanding at the fluted shoulders, oval bezel with intaglio image of an advancing lion with voluminous mane. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman, circa 2000.
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 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. -
Roman Bronze Hermes Figure
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Modelled standing, holding a caduceus and a coin bag, wearing a winged petasos. 38.5 grams, 61 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Roman Lead Coffin Panel with Sphinx, Medusa and Dolphins
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Decorated with patterns comprising sphinxes, dolphins, and masks of Medusa in fields between columns, and floral border strips with laurel leaves. 19.75 kg, 90 cm
Acquired 1970s-early 1990s. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11993-209841.
There were many ways of burying bodies during the Roman Empire. Although the majority were buried without coffins, there is evidence for wooden coffins, lead-framed wooden coffins, tile burials and lead and stone coffins. This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Very often these sarcophagi were connected by a pipe to the ground above so that mourners could pour in offerings into the grave.
