Roman Silver-Gilt Military Mount with Mars Ultor

Modelled in the round standing, wearing a paenula, his two hands holding up the hem to support a pile of fruits on his erect penis; mounted on a custom-made stand. 31.7 grams total, 63 mm including stand



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

This is one of the most characteristic representations of Priapus: standing, with long, smooth hair, his head covered by a traveller's pilos (usually made of felt). With his hands he raises his tunic revealing his phallus, a symbol of fertility and good luck, and carries the first fruits of the earth on the hem of his tunic.

With rolled rim to each tapering tube, applied trail detailing to the body, lateral angled handles and large applied loop handle above; iridescent surface. 59 grams, 17 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12237-222167. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With sharply angled shoulders and raised disc bezel inscribed 'VTF' for utere felix (use this with happiness). 4.37 grams, 25.43 mm overall, 19.09 x 14.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



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