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LOT 0967
Roman Carved Gemstone Collection
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
1/8 - 5/8 in. (2.55 grams total, 7-15 mm).
Comprising: a green glass intaglio; a red garnet carbuncle with a quiver and a bow; an onyx(?) intaglio with a profile bust; a small round intaglio with a lion; a red jasper intaglio with a stylised animal on a baseline. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection assembled 1970s-90s, and thence to the liquidated state of above.
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 0967
Roman Carved Gemstone Collection
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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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. 34.1 grams total, 14-21 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 Redware Vessel Sherd with Achilles Riding a Centaur
Circa 4th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Fragment from a rim with stepped and everted edge; low-relief profile image of a centaur galloping, ridden by a naked youth (Achilles) holding a rosette in his extended hand; behind, the hand of another figure reaching towards the rosette and in front, the hindlegs of a panther; old collector's label to reverse. 34 grams, 59 mm
From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. -
Jewish Bronze Ring with Menorah
Circa 4th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (‡+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £70
Narrow facetted hoop and disc bezel with incuse menorah and legend below. 4.04 grams, 23.03 mm overall, 19.56 x 17.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
