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LOT 0628
Roman Lead Sealing with Bust of an Emperor
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 in. (2.3 grams, 13 mm).
A round lead seal with male portrait, wearing a military mantle fastened on the right side by a fibula, three Latin letters on the left side, possibly 'I A A'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1970s.
Important European collection.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, items 625-630, for type.
FootnotesLead seals were used to seal documents. The sealing shows a facing male head with a bearded face, probably the portrait of a Roman emperor or a high imperial functionary, like a Dux or a Praefectus. The hairstyle is that of the Dominate, or late 3rd century AD.
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:
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Roman Key with Chain
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
A key composed of a D-section handle and integral loop, decorated with hatched geometric motifs, notched rectangular-section stem and rectangular bit with six teeth; chain composed of nine links. 18.8 grams, 22 cm
Fine condition.
Acquired Munich, Germany, late 1990s. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Roman Redware Jar
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A bulbous redware jar with short neck and everted rim; rim chipped. 2.2 kg, 24 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Equine Protome
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A bronze zoomorphic equine protome formed as the forequarters of a galloping horse, with a round-section body and semi-naturalistic detailing to the head and mane; perforation to the upper edge of the body for attachment. 55 grams, 57 mm
Found UK. Acquired in the 1970s, Yorkshire, UK. Property of a Bedfordshire, UK, gentleman.
The bronze equine protome belongs to a well-known category of objects used to fasten caskets or furniture with animal protomes, especially panthers and horses, animals connected to the procession of the god Dionysus.
