Loading, please wait...
LOT 0089
Roman Silver Crossbow Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (19.5 grams, 62 mm).
Featuring rounded knops to the head, 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 0089
Roman Silver Crossbow Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Bronze Bust of a Noble Lady
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic facial features and hair style with centre parting and tied in a chignon at the nape, detailing to the folds in the fabric of her garment; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 425 grams total, 11 cm high including stand
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
This bust probably served as a weight. The head of the sculpture is slightly turned up to the left, with a serious expression. The small sculpture could represent a bacchante or maenad, even if there are no visible iconographic elements directly linked to the cult of Dionysus. -
Roman Bronze Lion Fitting
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
Displaying a naturalistic lion's head projecting from a facetted bar with piercing for attachment; recessed eyes to accept separate inserts. 100 grams, 88 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Bronze Military Monkey
4th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
Modelled seated on a polygonal base wearing a paenula, the right hand placed on the left shoulder, head tilted to one side, right hand placed on a stela or lantern. 23.9 grams, 34 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
The monkey is bearing a military sagum with cucullus and is holding beside him a squared lucerna. This representation can be a Roman military mascot or simply a grotesque. In 2001 in Spain, at Llivia, remains of Barbary apes with military belt buckles typically related to the late Roman period were discovered. The discovery of this type of belt buckle in a human grave would suggest that they were once a part of this army, so the fact that some were given to a Barbary ape means that the apes played a military role, for example, acted as targets to distract the enemy, or were used in type of a combat or for defence. Apes were also a very common form of pet in the Graeco-Roman world.
