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LOT 0137
Roman Silver Military Belt Plaque
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (48.7 grams, 66 mm).
Square plaque from a baldric or military belt, with an engraved circle in the centre depicting a shepherd resting under a tree with two crossed branches, leaning on his staff with a greyhound beside him. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a UK collection since before 1990.
LiteratureCf. Aurrecoechea-Fernandez, J., ‘Placas tardorromanas de bronce de Merida y Totanes, decoradas con personificaciones de la autoridad imperial y la Tiche de Roma (Late Roman bronze plaques found in Merida and Tota)’ in Sautuola/XXII, Santander, 2017, pp.185-220, figs.1,15,18, 19.
FootnotesThe plaque is related to a series of late Antique bronze plates destined to decorate the military baldrics or belts. Some of them were found in a late Roman tomb in Totanés (Toledo), ornamented with busts, and a plaque from Merida (Badajoz) was decorated with the personification of Rome. The plaque is related to similar ones from Italian and Syrian-Palestinian workshops, whose ornamentation seems sometimes to be connected to imperial authority. Parallels are linked to similar pieces of different iconographic types, but which were equally popular in the late Roman Empire, such as hunting or bucolic motifs.
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Square bezel with beaded border, profile bust with vexillum. 2.12 grams, 22.18 mm overall, 20.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Silver Ring with Apollo Gemstone
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A round-section hoop expanding to broad shoulders, flat plaque with inset carnelian cloison, intaglio image of Apollo (Sol), cloaked, advancing with a patera in each hand. 4.53 grams, 22.48 mm overall, 17.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
From an important collection of jewellery formed over 40 years by a German collector. -
Roman Silver Crossbow Brooch
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Comprising a hexagonal-section crossbar with collars and bulb finials, slot for a hinged pin, trapezoid-section bow, rectangular foot with incised geometric ornament, catch to the reverse; socket at top of bow to accept a separate knop. 15.8 grams, 50 mm
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This is a very early form of crossbow brooch, showing very clearly its origin in the mid-Roman P-shaped bow brooch.
