Roman Bronze Sceptre Finial

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue, brown and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 897 grams total, 6.8-16 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. A red grenade fillet probably framed some panels. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colours over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

With a slender hoop and a raised circular bezel with a stylised figure beside a tree. 3.12 grams, 22.89 mm overall, 18.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Modelled in the half-round with luxuriant curls to the hair and beard, strong nose and brow with lentoid eyes; undercut modelling to the nose, mouth and hair; large mounting socket to the right side of the brow and smaller beneath the chin. 574 grams, 10.5 cm



The father of Christopher Frederick, a general practitioner based in Brighton, East Sussex, who acquired prior to 1969. Thence by descent to his son, Christopher Frederick, Brighton, East Sussex. Acquired from the above by the present owner.