Loading, please wait...

Roman Silver Cochlearium Spoon Roman Silver Cochlearium Spoon Roman Silver Cochlearium Spoon
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0865

Roman Silver Cochlearium Spoon

2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.

6 7/8 in. (19.7 grams, 17.5 cm).

With 'swan-neck' junction; facetted, round-section tapering shank; shallow bowl shaped like a flask in profile.

Provenance

Property of a Bedfordshire, UK, private collector.
Accompanied by an illustrated collector's identification tag.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Literature

Cf. Riha, E., & Stern, W.B., Die Römischen Löffel aus Augst und Kaiseraugst, Forschungen, in Augst 5, 1982, for discussion; cf. Jackson, C.J., The Spoon and its History, in Archaeologia, vol.53.

Footnotes

The spoon's shaft tapers to a point; it was used for extracting seafood or snails from their shells. Spoons executed in precious metals were highly valued items in this period in history, so much so that historians and classicists see them recorded in inventories compiled for noble households. Cochlearia like this one have even been discovered in treasure hoards. The absence of Christian symbolism or of a Christian inscription on this spoon might suggest that it dates from a pre-Christian era, or that its owner/commissioner was pagan.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

Live Bidding

LOT 0865

Roman Silver Cochlearium Spoon

Sold for (Inc. bp): £260

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Roman Bronze Silenus Mount
    Roman Bronze Silenus Mount
    1st-2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Domed mount with a bearded satyr face to the centre, short horns projecting from his head; hollow to the reverse. 7.68 grams, 26 mm



    Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Late Roman Bronze Stylus with Safety Chain
    Late Roman Bronze Stylus with Safety Chain
    Circa 5th-6th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £143

    With a balustered finial with an eraser, looped chain with a cross and hooked plaque. 20.57 grams, 16.8 cm



    From a private UK collection. Ex Hanson's, Derbyshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Gold Ring with Satyr Bust Gemstone
    Roman Gold Ring with Satyr Bust Gemstone
    1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.

    Estimate: £7,000 - 9,000 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £3,500

    Comprising a round-section tapering hoop with inset carnelian cloison, intaglio bust in three-quarter view; integral cup bezel, stepped cell with bust in three-quarter view; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 20.23 grams, 28.75 mm overall, 18.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



    From a deceased lady's collection, 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12524-231464. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list