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LOT 0591
Roman Silver Lunar Pendant
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (7.46 grams, 31 mm).
Decorated with silver granules and with a gusseted suspension loop to the top edge.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
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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Roman Bronze Brooch Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Including P-shaped, knee, trumpet-derivative, crossbow and other types, some with restored pins. 120 grams total, 33-57 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Portrait
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Hoop composed of angled and fluted shoulders and an oval bezel displaying a portrait bust in profile right, in relief. 34.93 grams, 38.63 mm overall, 22.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Large Roman Bronze Basilisk
4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
The upper body, neck and head of a mythical basilisk (cockatrice), modelled in the round with the body of a serpent and head of a cockerel, the body with a tapering round-section profile, stylised detailing to the head. 260 grams, 88 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
The basilisk, known from the Renaissance onwards as a cockatrice, was a Graeco-Roman mythical two-legged dragon or serpent-like creature with a cock's head. It had the reputed ability to kill people by either looking at them, touching them, or sometimes breathing on them. According to legend a cockatrice would die instantly upon hearing a rooster crow, and having a cockatrice looking at itself in a mirror was one of the few sure ways to kill it.
