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LOT 0732
Roman Ring with Engraved Bezel
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.48 grams, 20.32 mm overall, 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)).
A bronze ring with D-section hoop, lentoid bezel engraved with a running hare. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1970s.
Important European collection.
Cf. Henkel, F., Die Römischen Fingerringe der Rheinlande und der Benachbarten Gebiete, Berlin, 1913, items 61-62, for type.
FootnotesThe libidinous hare was sacred to Aphrodite and Eros (Venus and Cupid), and live hares were often presented as love gifts.
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 Ring with Dolphin Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
A bronze ring with expanding, rounded shoulders, the oblong bezel set with a carnelian intaglio engraved with a dolphin. 3.21 grams, 19.41 mm overall, 16.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
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Roman Marble Herm Boundary Marker
Circa 1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
A carved marble herm boundary marker carved in the round as the bust of an adult male wearing a conical cap and with a full beard; dorsal pillar terminating behind the head. 7.3 kg, 31.5 cm high
French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11629-199364.
Possibly an architectural element or herm: herma (Ancient Greek: ἑρμῆς, usually called a 'herm' in English), is a sculptured stone block with a head and often a chest above an undecorated lower section on which male genitals may additionally be carved. From the Neolithic period onwards, in parts of Europe, divinities were worshipped in the form of either a heap of stones (cairn) or a wooden column. Piles of stones were created beside roads and at the borders of fields as they were cleared of pebbles, and religious respect was shown through the custom of each passer-by throwing a stone on the heap or offering a libation. In due course, the addition of a carved head (and phallus) to the column encouraged the belief that these monuments were especially favoured by divinities. -
Roman Gilt Dolphin Fibula
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
A gilt dolphin fibula brooch; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 14.66 grams, 42 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
