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LOT 0820
Roman Bronze Tall Horse Brooch
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (26.5 grams, 47 mm).
Bow brooch formed as a horse modelled in the round with an elongated neck, notched mane, punched pellet eyes; fore-legs forming the catch, rear legs with a transverse bar and hinged pin beneath. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
LiteratureCf. Hattatt, R., Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1644, for type.
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 Heavy Bronze Key Ring
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising a wide hoop and a perpendicular heavy-duty bit. 21.05 grams, 28.19 mm overall, 16.12 x 15.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fortuna
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Biconvex type with incuse design of Fortuna standing with a cornucopia; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.59 grams, 13 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Gryllus in Gold Ring
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
Translucent oval intaglio featuring a standing gryllus wearing a gryphon-headed helmet, flanked by the inscription 'KAΛHI' meaning 'to the beautiful one'; set in a later gold ring with a D-section hoop; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.29 grams, 23.83 mm overall, 20.32 x 17.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13322-257896.
Fanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye.
