Roman Bronze Ring with Mars Holding a Spear

Mould-made, the round handle absent, deep body, broad outward-sloping shoulder with grapes and vine decorations, separated from concave discus by two thin circular ridges with a groove between, central filling-hole, short round-tipped nozzle with two volutes on flat space between the discus edge and wick-hole, base marked by three circular grooves. 58 grams, 94 mm



From the collection of Mr W.A. Stewart, Director of School of Arts and Crafts, Cairo, 1919-1929. Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.126 (part). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page.

The lamp belongs to the Loeschke type VIII, eastern variants. These lamps appeared in the second half of the 1st century but were long-lived, for a number have been found in a 3rd century A.D. context in the necropolis of Beth Shearim. Whether this decor of typical double volutes was devised by lamp makers in Asia Minor or Attica, and who influenced whom, is not yet possible to determine. But it is worth signalling the use of this decor as anchored in the eastern part of the Mediterranean.

Comprising a narrow shank and tapering shoulders, a flat plaque with an inset silver panel, low-relief hippocamp motif. 6.94 grams, 26.75 mm overall, 21.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 51/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)



From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s.

Comprising a length of round-section lead pipe attached to a domed plaque with lion-mask detailing. 2.48 kg, 19.5 cm



From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.