Roman Silver Dish

Hollow-formed gold ring in Hellenistic style with beaded rim to the broad bezel, inset amethyst cabochon with intaglio gryllos motif; repaired, a marriage. 5.35 grams, 25.07 mm overall, 21.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



From a collection of a London lady, acquired during 1990s-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11961-210872.

The gryllos comprises three radiating profile faces - two youthful females and the aged Silenus.

Modelled in the half-round with hollow reverse and fixing stud; gladiator advancing with a gladius short-sword drawn in right hand, holding a rectangular shield (scutum) and wearing greaves (ocreae); the arm protected by an armoured manica. 48 grams, 62 mm



From the French collection of M Garcia, 1990s.

The gladiator represented here belongs to the class of the scutarii (wearers of big shields) of the familia of the secutor or provocatores. The secutor was the chronological evolution of samnite gladiators. The title of secutor appears historically only in the imperial era and is closely linked to the title of contraretiarius, the retiarius being his true and only opponent. The secutor's armament consisted of the gladius and a large shield, a short ocrea on the left leg and a padded or armoured sleeve with chiroteca to protect his arm and hand.

With D-shaped flange surrounding the face in place of braided hair, small female face with fleshy features, eyes recessed to accept silver insert; mounted on a custom-made stand. 280 grams total, 88 mm high including stand



Ex P.A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.