Roman Mixed Glass Necklace Bead Group

Formed as a stylised and erect phallus with integral suspension loop. 13.75 grams, 31 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.

The seal box with remains of articulate hinge, raised phallus to top face with red enamelled detail; exaggerated stylised penis pendant with fragment of suspension loop remaining. 10.6 grams total, 29-41 mm



Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK.

Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surface decorated with engraved lines and dots. 72 grams total, 63-75 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.