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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 Military Ring with Scorpion Gemstone
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
A bronze finger ring with inset carnelian gemstone, intaglio scorpion. 4.31 grams, 21.20 mm overall, 17.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The ring could have belonged to a praetorian guardsman. The scorpion was one of the main symbols of the praetorian guard since the age of Augustus. -
Roman Military Compass and Tweezers Multi-Tool
Circa late 2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
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. 19 grams, 90 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
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. -
Roman Stucco Torso of an Athlete
Provincial, 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
A stucco muscular torso from a cornice modelled in the half-round; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.05 kg total, 21.2 cm high (31 cm including stand)
Fair condition.
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
