Loading, please wait...
LOT 0748
Roman Iron Knife with Bronze Decorated Handle
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 3/8 in. (62 grams, 13.5 cm).
Single-edged iron blade with ellipsoid-section bronze handle, openwork acanthus-leaf finial, bands of loose crosshatching to both faces. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the British art market.
From the collection of a South West London, UK, specialist Stone Age collector.
See Capwell, Dr. T., Knives, Daggers and Bayonets, London, 2009.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Gilt Bronze Phalera with Theseus and the Minotaur
2nd century B.C.- 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Domed roundel with high-relief design of combat between a bearded hero and a monster, wreath and rosettes to the rim. 32 grams, 49 mm
Found near Sedgeford, Norfolk, UK, in the 1980s. Acquired in the late 1990s. Property of a Norfolk, UK, collector.
According to the legend, Theseus, prince of Athens, went to the island of Crete to kill a monster who was the son of queen Pasiphae and a wild bull, although officially he was the son of Minos and Pasiphae. Theseus chased him into the labyrinth, killed him and found his way out with the help of the comb of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos. The myth has its representation in the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic period, and was widely depicted in the Graeco-Roman world. The present repoussé appliqué was probably used as a furniture or horse harness ornament. -
.jpg)
Larger Than Life-Size Roman Bronze Foot Insert From a Statue
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,556
Hollow-formed front left sandaled foot with draped hem of a vestis talaris across the rear edge and tiered sole to the footwear, traces of gilding; supplied with a custom-made wooden stand. 847 grams total, 14 cm
Acquired in Germany in 2001. Acquired by the present owner from the above. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12192-222323.
The detailed bronze foot exhibits an incredible rendering of the smallest details; its dimensions suggest that the statue to which it belonged was nearly a human size sculpture, possibly a goddess, based on the footwear. Statues of the gods and goddesses were usually gilded. -
Roman Gold Ring with Kneeling Soldier Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
With flared shoulders and ellipsoid cell, inset carnelian intaglio warrior kneeling on a baseline, Pseudo-Corinthian-style helmet pushed back on the head, spear held in one hand the other touching his ankle. 4.73 grams, 17.88 mm overall, 15.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. UK collection of a European gentleman.
The type is defined from Ruseva-Slokoska as Eastern Influence, widespread in the 2nd-3rd centuries A.D. The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only portion of his body which was not impervious to injury.
