Roman Glass and Other Bead String

Displaying a figural scene in relief composed of a mounted rider (Dioscuros) advancing left towards the figure of Helen of Troy, in the upper register, the sun and the moon, behind the cavalryman a woman or image of Nike holding a crown upon his head. 74 grams, 90 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

The image of Sol Invictus assumed a great importance in the Danubian cult: the frequent representation of the celestial gods on the plaques is paralleled by their representation on monuments of other mystery cults, particularly the cult of Mithras. The image of a Dioscuros on horseback is linked to that of the Danubian rider.

Comprising: a dolphin head with stylised detailing; swan on discoid base; bird's head with hooked beak; bird standing on polygonal base, curved neck and slightly spread wings; head of another animal, possibly mythical; with a later Byzantine lock-plate with bird standing left. 292 grams total, 20-60 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

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.