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LOT 0815
Roman Silver Military Ring with Inscription
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (10.59 grams, 25.88 mm overall, 21.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)).
With facetted hoop and rectangular plaque, legend 'DME / RGVR' (D(eo) ME/RCVRI(o) (RI in ligature): ‘To the god
Mercury), in rustic capitals.
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 217, for type.
FootnotesThe inscription is to be segmented 'D MERGVR for D[EO] MERGVR[IO]' meaning '(dedicated) to the god Mercury'. A common formula for Roman inscriptions in Britain.
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Roman Bronze Punched Tabula Ansata for Titus of Legio V Macedonica
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Sheet bronze appliqué with lateral tabs pierced for attachment, pointillé legend 'T[I] V LE[GIO] / MACE / DO [NICA]' translating to: Titus, member of the Legio V Macedonica. 5.56 grams, 54 mm
Ex British private collection, acquired 1980s. with Art Ancient, 2016. Property of a North London collector.
These tabulae ansatae with pointillé decoration were used for votive inscriptions to the gods, offered on the occasion of a vow made during a situation of danger or an invocation of help to the gods. They were often used in the military field, as appliques to indicate the ownership of the weapons. A particularly important example is the one found in Carnuntum dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, offered by the centurion Titius Moderatus of the Legio XI Gemina. In our case the inscription could refer to a certain Titus, member of the Legio V Macedonica. -
Roman Lead Figure of Aphrodite Holding a Severed Swan's Head
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Modelled in the round nude and and raising her right arm, holding the neck of the swan (her animal attribute); left arm descending towards her pubis, legs in contrapposto stance; gusseted drum-shaped base. 327 grams, 19.5 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., 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 a search certificate number no.12099-218223.
Although the presence of the swan in this position is rather rare, iconographically, this image is part of the abundant series of statuettes of Aphrodite/Venus widely distributed during the Roman Imperial era. -
Roman Plate Brooch and Ring Fragments
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Including an equal-ended plate brooch, finger ring and fragments. 13.6 grams total, 12-33 mm
Acquired between the 1960s-early 1990s. From an old UK private collector from Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Property of K.P., a Cornish lady collector, UK.
