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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.
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 ROMA Plate Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A bronze discoid plate brooch with openwork monogram of 'ROMA', hinged pin and catchplate to the reverse. 10.2 grams, 31 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The brooch is engraved with the stylised letters ‘RMA’. When viewed from the obverse, RMA and the framing circle form a monogram for ‘Roma’. Roma refers to both the city and its divine personification, the Dea Roma. If RMA is read from right to left (or the brooch is viewed from the opposite side), the letters form a monogram for ‘AMOR’, the Latin name for Cupid, the god of love. The phrase pertains to Roma-Amor, a widely recognised palindrome espousing Roman wordplay in the ancient times.
