Loading, please wait...
LOT 0736
Roman Key with Bear's Head Handle
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 5/8 in. (87.7 grams, 93 mm).
With an iron shank; the handle with a large finial formed as a growling bear with stylised detailing. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
TimeLine 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 Bronze Genius Statuette
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Modelled standing, wearing a loosely draped himation hanging from the right shoulder, the folds gathered at the left forearm raised to support a patera; mounted on a custom-made stand. 118 grams total, 96 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
A genius was a local spirit or supernatural helper whose favour could be requested with a libation or small offering. -
Roman Gold Ring of Domnos and Panthea
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
With flat shoulders and raised ellipsoid plaque, pointillé Greek inscription 'ΔΟΜΝο / CΠΑΝ / Θ[.]A' (Domnos Panthea). 5.70 grams, 19.30 mm overall, 16.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
It is likely that the inscription refers to a husband and wife, 'Domnos' being a known male name and 'Panthea' a female one. -
Roman Marble Male Bust
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
With a portion of the upper pectoral muscles still visible, part of a cloak (chlamys) gathered on the left shoulder. 9.95 kg, 29 cm wide
From an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s. English private collection.
The original statue or bust represented an athletic type, probably a hero or a demigod, or the god of war, Ares. However, the presence of the cloak resting on the left shoulder could also recall statues of divinities, such as Zeus with his left arm raised, or Asklepios, or Hermes.
