Loading, please wait...
LOT 0134
Roman Silver Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (19.5 grams, 62 mm).
A silver military crossbow fibula with rounded knobs, the bow with a dedicatory inscription in Latin letters 'VTER FELIX IURE VICTO'.
ProvenanceAcquire in the 1990s.
Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Cf. Shelton, K.J., The Esquiline Treasure, London, 1981, fig.50, for a very similar brooch.
FootnotesThe dedicatory inscription 'VTERE FELIX', 'use it with good luck' or 'with happiness' is often found on Roman military artefacts, like belt fittings, brooches, and armlets; but it is rarely accompanied by 'IURE VICTO' inscription ([being the] rightful winner). The inscription is typical of the late Roman military world, but it can also refer to people using the brooch in civil duties, these fibulae being ordinarily gifted to the militia armata and non armata.
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:
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.
LOT 0134
Roman Silver Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
-
Gallo-Roman Mercury Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
A bronze votive figure of Mercury modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist. 43 grams, 59 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.
Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows. -
Roman Head of Minerva with Helm Appliqué
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
A bronze appliqué formed as the head of Minerva (Greek Athena) wearing a tall helmet with scooped brow-band and lobed ends developing to wings with radiating feather detailing; facing mask with finely detailed eyes and mouth, hanks of flowing hair connecting to the ends of the wings. 23.2 grams, 39 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11626-199003. -
.jpg)
Roman Statuette of Attis
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £702
A bronze figure of Attis standing wearing the distinctive Phrygian cap, advancing wearing a flounced tunic and cloak, holding a falx in the left hand; right arm absent; mounted on a custom-made stand. 117 grams total, 97 mm high including stand
German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK.
