Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon

A group of various weights comprising three biconical steelyard weights each with the remains of the iron loop, a barrel-shaped weight with five dots to one end, and a tabular-shaped weight with three large stamped dimples to one fate surface. 478 grams total, 24-34 mm



Found Rodings, Essex, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

An ellipsoid carnelian gemstone with intaglio figure of Mars wearing a helmet and bearing a cornucopia in one hand and a miniature figure of Victory in the other; set in a later gold ring. 8.93 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Ex Marianne Maspero, 1980. with Pierre Berge & Associes, Paris, France, 16 May 2018, lot 230. English private collection.

Mars was the ancient Roman god of war and agriculture; the majority of his festivals were held in March, when the season for military campaigning commenced, whilst the season for farming ended. Mars symbolised military power as a method for securing peace and stability and was believed a protective father of the Roman people. In Roman mythology, Mars raped Silvia, thus fathering Romulus and Remus, the famous twins suckled by the She-wolf and founders of the city of Rome. The animals most closely associated with Mars are the woodpecker, wolf and bear.

A glass trulla (pan or handled cup) with an aqua-coloured hemispherical bowl and dark blue glass rim and handle with raised knops to the neck, the bowl with moulded lozengiform 'net' motif with kick-up to base surrounded by a moulded rosette; iridescent surfaces; handle reattached. 88 grams, 19 cm

handle re-attached.

Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.