Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
Acquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Literature
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 639, for type.
Footnotes
This 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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Female Bone Doll
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
A Roman or Parthian bone figurine of a female with holes to accept pegs for separate articulated arms, hatching to the piled hairstyle, incised facial features, tiered collar, slender body with drape detailing to the bodice, belt and skirt; pierced ears to accept earrings; mounted on a custom-made stand. 214 grams total, 18 cm including stand
Fine condition.
Family collection since the 1960s. with Christie's, London, 29 April 2010, lot 373. Property of a Brussels gentleman. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.
The doll was made of a carved bone figure of woman with separate arms attached to the body, and pieces for the ears. All the surface shows extensive marks of working by a saw, knife or a file. The body is made from bone, and the style of the doll is typical of Roman Britain. The separate parts were attached with pins or string. On the doll are still visible the little holes for the connecting string. -
Roman Gemstone Collection
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
A mixed group of stone intaglios each with an carnelian or jasper cloison with intaglio image including bird, profile bust and other types, all set bronze and silver finger rings 28.6 grams total, 19-29 mm
Acquired on the European art market. Ex private Bavarian collection H.W. with Gorny and Mosch, München, Germany, 12 December 2019, 656 [Part]. English private collection. -
Roman Amber Glass Eye-Shaped Dish
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
An amber-coloured shallow elliptical dish; stepped elliptical foot to base; iridescent surfaces. 194 grams, 21 cm wide
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.
