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LOT 0709
Roman Iron Knife with Bronze Dog's Head Handle
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/2 in. (36.2 grams, 14.1 cm).
Comprising a single-edged iron blade with a short facetted bronze handle, the pommel formed as a stylised dog head.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-23 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Large Roman Bone Gaming Die
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 1.66 grams, 9 mm
Ex Essex gentleman's collection, 2000s. -
Roman Green Mosaic Glass Fragment
Late 1st century B.C.-early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
A roughly rectangular section of green and black mosaic glass with yellow annulets. 5.69 grams, 34.3 mm
From the late collection of a Cornish couple, formed from the early 1990s.
