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LOT 0773
Roman Gold Shield-Shaped Earring
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (3.31 grams, 18.24 mm).
Comprising a plain hoop with hook-and-eye fastener, discoid shield decorated with filigree border of three bands of twisted wire and seven granules; to the centre, a bezel of spirally twisted wire; a broad hoop from previous pendant attachment. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market in the early 2000s.
From the David John Dennis collection of ancient jewellery.
Property of a Californian, USA, collector.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery: A Collection of the National Archaeological Museum, Sofia, 1991, item 32, for type.
FootnotesDavid Dennis started collecting items when he was a 10 year old boy during the Blitz in London gathering parts of nose cones from shells and other pieces of shrapnel that had fallen from the skies. After the war he turned his attentions to cigarette cards, postage stamps, bank notes, coins and eventually ancient artefacts, predominately Roman jewellery. Now living in Cumbria with his daughter he decided it was time to part with his collections.
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 Gold Child's Ring
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With broad hoop, incised lines to shoulders, plaque with cell. 1.06 grams, 13.02 mm overall, 11.30 mm internal diameter
Acquired from Brigantia Antiques, York, UK, in the early 1990s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by a previous illustrated catalogue slip. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Julius Caesar 'Battle of Munda' Lead Slingshot
45 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A biconical facetted lentoid-section lead sling shot (glans), inscription monogram a combination of letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar. 44.4 grams, 39 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a gentleman collector. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled 'Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The shot (type IIb of the Völling classification) is marked with the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 BC. Similar shots were used in the Caesar's wars; slingers of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul. They wore a short tunic, with leather or rope sandals to the feet, and a warm overcoat which could also have been used to store projectiles. They also used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets. -
Roman Gold Ring with Bust of a Noble Lady
Mid 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Broad hoop with cell to the plaque, inset cameo with profile female bust; possibly of the Empress Faustina the younger. 3.83 grams, 19.98 mm overall, 17.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
Acquired from Notaras Coins & Antiquities, Suffolk, UK, before 2000. Property of a Bedfordshire, UK, private collector. Accompanied by a previous illustrated catalogue slip. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
