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LOT 0679
Roman Military Compass and Tweezers Multi-Tool
CIRCA LATE 2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (19 grams, 90 mm).
A bronze multi-tool featuring a compass and tweezers, free-moving collar to one arm, one arm with two oval terminals and one tapering to a point.
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 639, for type.
FootnotesThis instrument, a type of circinus formed of two flat-section arms, was widely used by masons and carpenters, as well as for making wall decorations for the preparation of repetitive elements such as spirals or circles. It was widely used by the agrimensores of the army, as is proven by a very similar specimen found in Carnuntum, the camp of the Legio XIIII Gemina.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0679
Roman Military Compass and Tweezers Multi-Tool
Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
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Roman Jupiter Holding Victory Gemstone in Gold Ring
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
An onyx cabochon with intaglio image of Jupiter holding a miniature icon of Victory, set into a later gold ring. 4.05 grams, 24.06 mm overall, 18.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
English private collection. -
Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with inset cabochon garnet. 2.11 grams, 21.42 mm overall, 16.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. -
Roman Repousse Plaque with Muse Terpsichore
4th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £389
A square plaque from a casket or votive panel with the embossed image of the Muse Terpsichore, dressed in a short sleeved tunica talaris, standing with the weight on the right leg, the other leg bent in front of the body, the right hand holding a lyre hanging from a strap, in the left hand a staff; inscription in late Latin beside the right part of the head reading 'TEPSECORE'; the figure framed with an embossed edge; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 41 grams total, 10.6 cm high including stand
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex London collection.
The plaque probably came from a casket similar to the one of Carnuntum, which represent the images of the Muses on one side and biblical scenes to the other side. These scenes were popular motifs in Late Antiquity, where caskets with Christian and mythological images were widespread, especially in Pannonia.
