Loading, please wait...
LOT 0944
Roman Light Blue Glass Bead Bracelet
CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 in. (6 grams, 16 cm).
Composed mainly of oblate beads, restrung with an elasticated string. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s.
Ex private collection.
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.
LOT 0944
Roman Light Blue Glass Bead Bracelet
Estimate £50 - 70€58 - 81 (for guidance only)$68 - 95 (for guidance only)
-
Large Roman Carnelian and Other Gemstone Collection
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising twelve intaglios, including: a lion attacking an antelope, a leaping panther facing back, a cabochon with a seated figure, a prancing horse with a dog(?) behind, a helmeted warrior at rest, two with a profile bust, a warrior shooting a bow, a bull browsing a tree, standing Victory, and two with a standing figure. 6.18 grams total, 10-12 mm
Private collection, London. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
1st century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 26.6 grams total, 11-22 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 Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 28.9 grams total, 13-20 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.
