Roman Silver Key Ring with Fretwork Heart

Shallow piriform bowl attached to a stepped baluster, square-section handle with knop finial. 39 grams, 18.8 cm



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.

Cochlearia like this one have been discovered in treasure hoards. They were used in Christian times for administration of the Holy Communion. The absence of Christian symbolism or of a Christian inscription on this spoon might suggest that it dates from a pre-Christian era, or that its owner/commissioner was pagan, or simply that this spoon was intended for domestic use.

With a rounded body and double nozzle with volutes; the body flat with engraved volutes, raised rim and basal ring; to the rear a large crescent with Jupiter (Greek Zeus) to the centre and his eagle with spread wings before him; the god depicted with thick locks and voluminous beard, the eagle with detailed plumage and finely detailed face; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 1.67 kg, 25.7 wide (3.08 kg total,18 cm high including stand)



Old private British collection, pre-1965. Property of a gentleman; acquired in the UK before 2000. Accompanied by a copy of an old black and white photograph. 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 number no.12034-215425.

Here Jupiter is represented with his attributes connected with the crescent of goddess Luna. According to Bailey, all lamps in the category to which the map belongs, were intended for suspension. Lamps with multiple nozzles gave more light and thus were suitable for lighting large spaces.

Including Hod Hill brooch, military belt fittings, enamelled stud and other items. 155 grams total, 14-70 mm



Found various sites in Essex, UK. Property of an Essex collector.