Roman Gemstone with Lion

Featuring an elaborate monogram composed of Greek letters M, A, T and P on three supporting prongs; tapering cylindrical socket. 343 grams, 29.5 cm high



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Branding stamps or signacula, in particular those with large single letters, were used for marking livestock to identify the owner, the breed, the quality and other features of the animal. These signacula were usually made in bronze, but iron examples are also preserved.

Each protome composed of a gently tapering shallow octagonal body, the upper part formed as an eagle's head with semi-naturalistic hooked beak, eye and feather detailing, collar at the base of the neck decorated with crenelated borders; two upward curving arms terminating with stylised cobra heads; one with impact damage from a crash(?). 2.1 kg total, 13-13.7 cm

Regular green patina, in general very fine condition, except the broken head of one cobra.

Private collection, Rosenheim, Germany, 1960s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11732-201194.

These chariot fittings were usually elements surmounting the axle, a sort of sheath allowing the suspension from the body of the cart to the wagon box using belts. The chariot (currus) which these fittings adorned may have been used for transporting wealthy and aristocratic individuals, although most probably it was a tensa, i.e. a triumphal chariot or a ceremonial vehicle upon which images and symbols of divinities were placed.

The box with a piriform body and hinged lid, three holes to the underside; the face with inset chevron and ring of mosaic glass, high-relief stylised phallus to the centre with enamel panel. 12.2 grams, 42 mm



Acquired in the early 1970s. Ex property of a Surrey, UK, collector.