Roman Hampshire Bronze Brooch Collection

Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surfaces decorated with engraved lines and dots. 73 grams total, 63-66 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.

With iridescent surface, flat bottom, vertical ribbed segmentation, slightly everted chipped rim. 88 grams, 98 mm wide



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector, with numbered reference G.31. London collection, 2016.

With deep spherical body supported on a round stand; incised with a band around the inner surface and concentric circles on the outer body; two looped high handles, one with stipple engraved monogram on the upper side. 156 grams, 14 cm wide



Ex Mansees collection, formed 1950s-early 1990s. From a large American collection formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1995. From a European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11627-197618.