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LOT 0660
Roman Lead Votive Mirror Frame
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (21.14 grams, 61 mm).
Circular frame with low-relief pellet and linear decoration, two small loops flanking the stem. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a retired Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman's collection, a long-time member of the Pewter Society.
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 Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-20 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. -
Roman Bronze Hercules Knot Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Openwork brooch with coiled pin and catchplate on the reverse. 11.9 grams, 33 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Decorated Silver P-Shaped Bow Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising an elliptical-section bow with D-shaped chord decorated with herringbone pattern, spring extending to the pin; tapering foot with catch to the reverse; top of catch extended to a wire coiled about the lower bow 7.68 grams, 55 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.