Roman Gold Pendant

With large suspension loop, curved shank and leaf-shaped finial. 8.61 grams, 35 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Large disc bezel with standing bird and cross(?) within a ring, flanking discs with saltire in a ring. 2.87 grams, 23.05 mm overall, 20.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Ex Garcia collection, France, 1990s.

The bird probably represents the dove symbolising the Holy Spirit.

Of bulbous form, with a broad everted rim, integral scallops at the neck and splayed handle, perforated floral motif to centre of bowl, scrolling waves around and Greek key pattern above; hole to bowl. 97 grams, 17.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200925.

Round-bowled strainers of various sizes occur in many late Roman hoards of domestic silver. They were used to strain the sediment from wine as it was poured into a drinking vessel. It is noteworthy that wine could have been a kind of gift from the Romans to the members of the foreign or provincial elite, often allies of the Roman leaders. Sets of bronze dishes (such as jars, scoops and strainers) along with glass horns (often with bronze fittings) and silver cups for drinking, usually placed in the so-called princely graves, confirm the wine consumption and indicate the area of its occurrence also outside the Empire.