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LOT 0688
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Animals
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C. OR LATER
5/8 in. (1.68 grams, 17 mm).
Of plano-convex form, depicting an ear of wheat, a fly, an elephant in profile, a mouse and a locust; accompanied by a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceEx property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent.
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 Silver Crossbow Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
Featuring rounded knops to the head, the bow with a dedicatory inscription in Latin letters 'VTER FELIX IURE VICTO'. 19.5 grams, 62 mm
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
The dedicatory inscription 'VTERE FELIX', 'use it with good luck' or 'with happiness' is often found on Roman military artefacts, like belt fittings, brooches, and armlets; but it is rarely accompanied by 'IURE VICTO' inscription ([being the] rightful winner). The inscription is typical of the late Roman military world, but it can also refer to people using the brooch in civil duties, these fibulae being ordinarily gifted to the militia armata and non armata. -
Roman Gilt Bronze Crossbow Brooch
Circa mid 4th-early 5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Three onion-knops and pierced decoration to the headplate, facetted bow and footplate with semi-circular cross-section, conjoined peltate border and geometric motifs to the centre, bow with geometric motifs and possibly facing human head; complete with pin and catchplate to reverse. 56 grams, 73 mm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
During the Late Roman period, these brooches were worn as marks of rank both by officers of militia armata and non armata, i.e. military and civilian officers. -
Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
Circa 3rd-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Displaying a monogram composed of Latin letters A and R; tapering round-section socket. 233 grams, 20.2 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The signacula used for branding were distinguished primarily by the presence of a relatively long metal arm, which could reach a length of 50 cm. This arm could sometimes be hollow to allow the insertion of a wooden handle. The presence of the long arm constitutes the main indication for the use of these signacula in the context of branding. Its length allowed the user to keep a safe distance from the source of heat.
