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LOT 0959
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Scorpion
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/8 in. (0.23 grams, 8 mm).
Plano-convex type with intaglio scorpion motif, the symbol of the Praetorian Guard; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureMichel, S., Die Magischen Gemmen im Britischen Museum, London, 2001, p.216, no.342 (BM inv.no.G 180/A 56180).
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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LOT 0959
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Scorpion
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32.6 grams total, 13-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Marble Hand from a Statue
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Carved in a gripping position, semi-naturalistic detailing to the knuckles and nail beds, clenched around a shaft, a spear, or possibly a scroll. 83.7 grams, 61 mm
From a private collection formed 2000s. Acquired at auction in the UK. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with the God Sol and Maker's Mark
Late 1st century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
With stub handle to the rear, wide shoulder and discus with low-relief facing bust of Sol wearing a radiate crown; basal ring enclosing 'πΓΛ' maker's mark; old collector's note: 'Complete save for the nozzle. On the discus bust of Sol radiate with five rays. Potter's mark on base Pi, gamma, lambda of the Greek alphabet. Light orange slip. This mark unpublished, although this type appears in Broneer, Corinth.Pl XVI. Rome, nr Spanish Steps, Spet 1959.' 67 grams, 99 mm
From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. Accompanied by an old handwritten identification card written by Peter Clayton.
