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LOT 0161
Roman Gold Beetle Type Earrings
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (4.48 grams total, 40 mm each).
Matched pair, each a hooked pin with a large hollow-formed domed panel and a smaller one above, dangle beneath with two iridescent glass beads.
ProvenancePrivate collection, USA and Switzerland, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. for the upper part of similar earrings Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the department of antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, pl.LIV, nos.2616.
FootnotesThe pair of gold earrings is in the form of a very broad "boat-shaped" crescent. The back was often filled in with a concave plate of gold, and a lenticular disc above masked the junction of the S-shaped wire hook with the body of the earring. They are typical of the 1st -2nd century A.D.
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 Limestone Stele with Nude Putti
2nd-3rd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £22,100
Rectangular in plan with recessed panels to the lower edge, central bust of the deceased boy in a tondo supported by two nude horizontal putti with their legs extended towards a short column; deep undercuts to the columns and recess; later inscription in seriffed capitals 'DM / Q LOLLIVS / LOLLIANVS / VIXIT ANNIS VI / MENSES.V. DIES .XVIII.' 40.1 kg, 38 x 61.5 cm
From the private Netherlands collection of Mr Edward P. Van Dijk (1942-2024); his collection formed since the 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13243-251959.
The inscription reports the usual dedication to the deceased, in this case a young boy six years of age: 'To the manes (spirits of the dead), Q(uintus) Lollius Lollianus, he lived 6 years, 5 months and 18 days'. -
Roman Bronze 'Money Box' with Incised Cross
4th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
Hollow-formed model male head with aperture to underside; with short beard and incised cross fourchée to the brow. 89 grams, 54 mm
German private collection, 1980s. with Artemis Gallery, 1990s. Private collection, acquired in 1999. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12866-241640.
Money boxes in the Roman Empire, particularly in the 4th century A.D., were used as practical containers for storing coins in everyday life. They were often made from pottery or metal, and while many examples had to be broken open, others were made with small doors or openings to allow access to the contents. -
Roman Translucent Glass Amphora
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
With sloping, rounded shoulder, a globular body tapering to a flared base, a cylindrical neck and a stepped rim, applied handles. 69 grams, 12.9 cm
From a specialist collection of glass, acquired from dealerships during the 1990s.