Roman Gold and Garnet Pendant

Comprising a square-section hoop with expanding shoulders, each shoulder set with a garnet cabochon and the raised square bezel with an emerald. 6.97 grams, 24.18 mm overall, 15.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E 1/2, USA 2 1/2, Europe 3, Japan 3)



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection. 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 a search certificate number no.11783-204563.

The presence of emerald suggests that the place of origin of this ring could have been in Roman Egypt, and the good colour of the emerald proposes a dating to the 4th to 5th century A.D.

Five variously sized iron nails with tapering square-section spikes and discoid heads; displayed in an old miniature wooden collector's display 'case' with sliding lid and identification label. 622 grams, 35.5 x 15 cm



From the Roman legionary fortress Inchtuthil, Perthshire, AD 83-87. From a mid 20th century collection based on the display case.

Comprising a figural scene in relief composed of a mounted rider (Dioscuros) advancing left towards the figure of Helen of Troy, a worshipper behind his horse and another beneath it in the attitude of submission; the sun and the moon above. 91 grams, 83 mm



Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.

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.