Loading, please wait...
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:
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.
-
Roman Phallic Amulet
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
A bronze pendant comprising male genitals flanked by stubby phalloi above, pierced suspension lug. 19.1 grams, 34 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. -
Roman Medical Implements and Palette
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
A copper-alloy medical instrument group comprising: a bowl with incised geometric decoration; a rectangular palette with bevelled edges; knife with single-edged iron blade and decoratively incised pommel; spoon with circular bowl, collared stem with expanded waist and finial formed as a probe; pin with tapering round-section body, shallow conical finial and decoratively incised head; a scoop probe with remains of elongated shallow scoop, expanded neck with collars, slender ribbed stem and bulbous probe to terminal; scoop with leaf-shaped bowl and balustered stem. 332 grams total, 4.8-17 cm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Aubergine Glass Vessel with Trails
3rd-5th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
An aubergine glass jar with dimples around the circumference, trumpet-style neck and rim, applied openwork trails around the shoulder; pontil to base; iridescent surfaces. 64 grams, 68 mm wide
Acquired UK, in the 1980s. Property of a London gentleman.
