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LOT 0138
Roman Silver Military 'Use This with Good Fortune' Belt Mount Group
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 - 1 3/4 in. (63 grams total, 24-46 mm).
Group of belt fitting comprising: kidney-shaped buckle with tongue and square plate with studs; 'amphora-type' strap end with pierced and split upper end; silver letter-shaped plaques each with attachment studs to reverse: 'E' x 3, 'F', 'I', 'L', 'R', 'V', 'X' with suspension loop at the lower ends of the pars; the group may be assembled to read 'U[t]ere Felix' (use [this] with good fortune'. [11]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Saša Redžić, Vtere felix belt sets on the territory of Viminacium in Applying of the geophysical methods, GIS, GPR, GPS and new technologies in investigation of the Roman city and military camp of Viminacium (no 147010), funded by the Ministry of Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.
FootnotesOne letter 'E' is bronze, the 'T' is absent.
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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LOT 0138
Roman Silver Military 'Use This with Good Fortune' Belt Mount Group
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35 grams total, 14-20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Gold Bead Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Comprising a number of oblate, tubular ribbed, annular and discoid beads. 7.59 grams total, 1.33-7.98 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Green Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £39
Composed of mixed beads with larger feature beads, restrung. 14.1 grams, 32 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
