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LOT 0111
Roman Silver-Gilt Military Buckle of an Elite Imperial Officer
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
10 3/4 in. (390 grams total, 27.5 cm wide).
A set of military belt elements comprising: a buckle with 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; three rectangular belt fittings, two with similar laurel leaf decoration and raised border, the central plaque with two foliate pendants with punched decoration.
ProvenanceAcquired before the 1970s.
Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, U.K., thence by decent.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11588-199387.
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 belts, like this one, were reserved to soldiers belonging to Legiones Palatinae, i.e. the legions forming part of the imperial Comitatus, accompanying the emperor in his military expeditions.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0111
Roman Silver-Gilt Military Buckle of an Elite Imperial Officer
Estimate £5,000 - 7,000€5,800 - 8,120 (for guidance only)$6,750 - 9,450 (for guidance only)
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A bronze head formed as that of a Roman lady of noble rank, with an oval-shaped face, semi-naturalistic facial features and elaborately dressed hair; hollow reverse. 55.5 grams, 42 mm
Acquired early 2000s. Property of a Birmingham, UK, collector. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
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Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
A slender gold finger ring with ellipsoid cell and inset cabochon amethyst. 1.07 grams, 19.64 mm overall, 15.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
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1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
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