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LOT 0967
Roman Silver Horse Head Whorl Brooch
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (10.8 grams, 37 mm).
A swastika-shaped fibula with horse-head decoration, each head with punched ring-and-dot eye, a similar motif to the centre, catchplate and pin hinge to verso. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985.
From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.
Cf. Petcu, R., ‘Swastika-shaped fibulae with horse-head decorations (Almgren 232) from the Roman period in Dobrudja (Moesia Inferior)’ in Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica, 25(1); pp.113-122, fig.4.
FootnotesIn the 3rd century A.D., several examples of fibulae in the shape of four horses’ heads forming a swastika (type Almgren 232) seem to be related to the creation of the Illyrian cavalry corps in Roman army. Many examples of these military fibulae were found in ancient Roman Dacia (Romania), in Roman Illyricum and Moesia.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Brooch Collection
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Including penannular, La Tène III and other types; all complete with pins. 28 grams total, 38-56 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Statuette of Young Mercury on the Eagle of Jupiter
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Modelled in the round as a figure of an eagle perching with its head turned to the right; on its back, the god Mercury with caduceus on his left arm and petasos on his head; mounted on a custom-made stand. 63.3 grams total, 68 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The figure of the messenger-god Mercury seated on the pinion of the eagle possibly relates to a mythic incident. Similar imagery was used in respect of Jupiter in scenes where the god was supposed to welcome a newly-deified emperor into the pantheon: see Metropolitan Museum of Art accession no. 32.142.2, for a sardonyx instance of this motif. -
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Roman Glass Intaglio with Scenic Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Ellipsoid in plan with bevelled edge, intaglio frieze depicting an altar with aedus and flames arising; robed human worshipper with votive offering above the flames; flanked by two priapic fauns with hands raised. 10.5 grams, 41 mm
Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
