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LOT 0096
Roman Carnelian Bust of Mercury Gemstone
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.27 grams, 18 mm).
Ellipsoid gemstone with chamfered rim, incuse profile bust of Mercury with wreath in his hair and star to the rear of the neck.
ProvenanceFrom an old UK collection, 1980s.
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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Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Featuring an elaborate monogram composed of Greek letters M and O, supported by decoratively twisted prongs; tapering cylindrical socket. 521 grams, 37.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Branding stamps or signacula, in particular those with large single letters, were used for marking livestock to identify the ownership, the breed, the quality and other features of the animal. The signacula were usually made in bronze, but iron examples are also preserved. -
Roman Gold Acorn-Shaped Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Sheet gold dangle with loop above. 0.34 grams, 13 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. -
Roman Gold Ring with Kneeling Soldier Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
With flared shoulders and ellipsoid cell, inset carnelian intaglio warrior kneeling on a baseline, Pseudo-Corinthian-style helmet pushed back on the head, spear held in one hand the other touching his ankle. 4.73 grams, 17.88 mm overall, 15.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. UK collection of a European gentleman.
The type is defined from Ruseva-Slokoska as Eastern Influence, widespread in the 2nd-3rd centuries A.D. The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only portion of his body which was not impervious to injury.
