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LOT 0084
Roman Silver-Gilt Military Buckle for an Elite Imperial Officer
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (152 grams, 11.2 cm).
Comprising a rectangular plate, richly decorated with embossed laurel leaves in a grid, framed with raised bosses, the buckle loop comprising opposing dragons with open mouths, holding a spherical tongue-rest, another pair of smaller dragon heads to base, the tongue with a smaller pair of punch-decorated dragon heads.
ProvenanceAcquired before the 1970s.
Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, U.K., thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.203881.
Cf. Sommer, M., Die Gürtel und Gürtelbeschläge des 4. und 5. Jahrhunderts im römischen Reich, Bonner Hefte zur Vorgeschichte, 22, Bonn, 1980 (1984), pls.5, no.2; pl.12, nos.1-2; pl.38 no.4-5; 47 nos.3-6; 51, no.9; pl.69 nos.3-4.
FootnotesMost precious military buckles, like this one, were reserved for soldiers belonging to Legiones Palatinae, i.e. the legions forming part of the imperial Comitatus, accompanying the emperor in his military expeditions.
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:
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LOT 0084
Roman Silver-Gilt Military Buckle for an Elite Imperial Officer
Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
-
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With an integral thumb pad and basal ring, raised motif to discus portraying a bust within a roundel, geometric motifs to the shoulder. 70 grams, 10.5 cm
Ex private UK collection formed in the 1980s. Ex London, UK, gallery. -
Eastern Roman Silver Ring with Gold Setting
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £833
Flat hoop joined to a gold bezel with flange and inset cabochon garnet, intaglio prancing horse; hoop restored. 3.68 grams, 21.64 mm overall, 22.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Acquired in the 1970s. From a deceased lady’s estate, by descent. -
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.
