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LOT 0139
Roman Gold Ring with Hermes Gemstone
LATE 2ND-EARLY 3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.88 grams, 25.81 mm overall, 16.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)).
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with inset jasper intaglio of Mercury (Hermes) standing wearing a cloak, holding a caduceus in one hand and a coin-purse in the other.
ProvenanceSwiss private collection.
with Geneve Encheres, Switzerland, 14 December 2017, lot 853.
English private collection.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 146, for type.
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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Large Roman Square Flask
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
A 'clear' square glass flask with rounded corners to the shoulders, cylindrical neck, broad rim and applied stout rectangular handle with decorative ribbing; iridescent surfaces; base with moulded six-pointed stylised flower within double-walled roundel. 248 grams, 17 cm high
French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 81.10.21, for type. -
Roman Silver-Gilt Military Belt Plate with Hercules Killing the Nemean Lion
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
A silver-gilt strap tongue from military belt, rectangular shape with soldered bead on the back, a repoussé work representing Hercules, naked and covered only by a mantle, killing the Nemean lion, a palm of victory under the feet of the hero, a dog attacking the lion from above, foliage around the scene. 18.5 grams, 53 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The belt fitting finds parallels with parts of belt from Asia Minor, today at the British Museum, inv. EC 252-254. These kind of plates, decorative and engraved with classical scenes, can be dated possibly to the age of Theodosius I. The quality of decoration can support the thesis of their belonging to officers of the Comitatus (the Imperial mobile army). -
Roman Balsamarium with Spool-Type Mouth
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
A piriform bronze balsamarium with a broad rounded shoulder, slender waisted neck and squat, spool-type mouth. 207 grams, 12 cm high
From the collection of the late Dr D.G., Surrey, UK.
Such vessels, with their high-bellied body, are similar to examples from Palestine, Pompeii, Phocis, Brigetio and Salona. They are not fitted with handles, meaning that they were not part of a portable set.