Roman Lead Abraxas Bifacial Pendant

A bronze herm lock element representing the god Hermes, with a stylised and beardless face, long hair descending with two parallel lines on the chest with engraved stylised caduceus, finial with a plinth and a squared pin to the reverse. 110 grams, 16 cm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

This miniature herm, with a stylised caduceus engraved on the breast, possibly represents the god Hermes. It could have been used as a lock for a casket or a box where money was kept. Hermes was the protector of homes, symbolised by the Herma (from Hermes), a square or rectangular pillar of stone or bronze topped by a bust of the god.

A silver ring composed of a convex ellipsoid hoop, expanding at the shoulders to a raised oval bezel with collar, set with a green jasper intaglio gemstone engraved with the image of a goddess, carrying a staff and a laurel crown. 8.43 grams, 23.53 mm overall, 19.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.

The ring presents similarities with the type II, variant 1 of the Ruseva-Slokoska classification. Many rings with images of divinities were found by the archaeologists as votive offerings to the divinities engraved on the bezel. It is difficult to interpret which divinity is represented in this ring, but the sceptre and the laurel crown could hint at it being Hera or Juno.

A stucco head from a cornice modelled in the half-round with fleshy cheeks and chin, squinting eyes, snub nose and open mouth; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 579 grams total, 13.8 cm (17 cm high including stand)

Fair condition.

Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.