Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0078

Roman Bronze Scallop Shell Attachment Pair

CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

5 in. (343 grams total, 12.5 cm each).

Each composed of shell-shaped body with a D-shaped lug to reverse, the lug with tapering spike to the centre. [2]

Provenance

Private collection, Rosenheim, Germany, 1960s.

Literature

Cf. Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, items 658ff., pp.200-201.

Footnotes

This pair could have been used as a double key or door lock, based on comparison with some keys from the territory of Gaul (Boucher, 1971, pp.200-201). They comprised a strong ring with polygonal-section stem and a rectangular point.

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 0078

Roman Bronze Scallop Shell Attachment Pair

Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Roman Ceramic Brick with Military Stamp for Legio I Italica
    Roman Ceramic Brick with Military Stamp for Legio I Italica
    1st-4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £494

    Of rectangular form, a recessed stamp to one face bearing letters in relief 'LEG I ITAL' for First Italic Legion. 2.5 kg, 27.5 x 13 cm



    Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

    The Legio I Italica ('of Italy') was a Roman legion formed by Nero on September 20, 66 or 67 A.D. and it was active until the 5th-6th century AD. The emblems of the legion were a running boar and sometimes a bull. Troops of this legion appear on Trajan's Column bridging a river. The main camp of the Legio was Novae, modern Bulgaria, but it operated in most of the imperial provinces, including Britain, where a vexillatio fought in the wars of Septimius Severus between 202 and 204 A.D.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Bronze Knife Handle with Boars Head
    Roman Bronze Knife Handle with Boar's Head
    1st-2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £390

    The stylised boar's head projecting from the terminal of the tapering rectangular-section handle, two registers of incised ornament to both broad faces and 'scale' detailing to the narrow edges. 19.2 grams, 50 mm



    ‘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.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Silver-Gilt Military Belt Plate Group for an Elite Imperial Officer
    Roman Silver-Gilt Military Belt Plate Group for an Elite Imperial Officer
    4th-5th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160

    Comprising three rectangular belt fittings: two with similar laurel leaf decoration and raised border, the third central plaque with two foliate pendants with punched decoration. 243 grams, 17 cm

    Very fine, excellent condition

    Acquired before the 1970s. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, U.K., thence by descent.

    Most precious military belts were reserved for soldiers belonging to Legiones Palatinae, i.e. the legions forming part of the imperial Comitatus, accompanying the emperor in his military expeditions.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list