Roman Rock Crystal Vessel

Five military strap junction and pommel elements, comprising: four strap junctions of various types including conical, ribbed, oval-shaped with incised cross motif and cruciform with arched panels to four faces; a pommel with domed base, waisted neck with broad collar and ovoid finial. 86 grams total, 17-26 mm



From an East London collection; previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000.

With a grooved hoop, round bezel with flared rim, set with a cabochon engraved with profile bust of Roma wearing a crested helmet. 4.50 grams, 24.32 mm overall, 20.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12110-214298.

Both the ring and the gem show characteristic compatible with 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. dating. Some scholars identify the female head with a theatre mask, but here the strong profile and the helmet points to the goddess Rome, a divine personification of the eternal city.

With round-section crossbar and collared knop finials, deep D-section bow with vertical band of triangles extending along the outer face and onto the rectangular footplate with chamfered long edges; separate collared knop above the bow; hinged pin housed in catchplate to reverse. 16.5 grams, 60 mm



On the European art market before 2000. Ex collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman; acquired on the UK art market.

This early form of crossbow brooch shows its origins in the P-shaped bow brooch type.