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LOT 0607
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Mars Gradivus
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (0.90 grams, 16 mm).
The helmetted deity walking left on a ground line, carrying a trophy on his shoulder and holding a spear in his hand; accompanied by a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceEx property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
Accompanied by an old collection ticket.
The moniker 'Mars Gradivus' is often translated as 'Marching Mars' from the latin 'gradus' meaning step or march.
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 Bronze Trumpet Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With a decorative collar to the bow, wide catchplate and coiled pin. 8.84 grams, 43 mm
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Silver Miniature Herm
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Comprising a square-section tapering body with lateral stub arms; head of Mercury (Greek Hermes) above with applied twisted gold collar, low-relief shoulder panels, genitals modelled in the round, low-relief horned figure below. 27 grams, 52 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12103-218207.
This object, was likely votive and perhaps belonged to a small domestic altar of the Roman imperial era, reproduced in miniature size a Hermaic pillar. These were terminals made of stone or wood which were often placed on the roads, near crossings; they served to indicate the right path and therefore were supposed to protect travellers when traveling. In Roman times, these pillars were often topped with busts or portraits and were also found in the gardens of wealthy homes; gods (Hermes and Bacchus in particular) or philosophers were the subjects thus represented. -
Roman Sheet-Gold Phalera Cover with Imperial Bust
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Discoid appliqué with beaded rim and a repoussé imperial bust to the centre, the bearded male looking right and wearing a laurel wreath and a military cloak. 3.46 grams, 64 mm
Acquired in the early 1990s. From the collection of a London antiquarian. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The subject is represented as an imperator or field general, recalling the image of a victorious emperor, iconography widely in use in the late Roman Empire.
