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LOT 1061
Roman Double Dolphin Handle
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (59 grams, 12 cm).
Formed as two opposed dolphins with s-curved bodies terminating in vine leaves, vesica held between their open mouths; plano-convex in section with openwork.
ProvenanceFrom an old English collection formed since 1960.
LiteratureCf. Appels, A. & Laycock, S., Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, item AA.4.8, for type.
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 Figure of Harpocrates, the God of Secrecy
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Opening Bid: £1,000
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Private collection, Me. A., Florida, USA, early 1990s. European private collection, acquired in Germany, September 2000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12683-234609. -
Large High Status Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Rosette
Early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Deep, circular body with volute scrolls flanking the nozzle, concentric circles around the concave discus with radiating petals; maker's mark cross on base. 99 grams, 11.5 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet with reference no.A27. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £66
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 40 grams total, 16-21 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.
