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LOT 0126
Roman Silver Phalera with Medusa
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (13.8 grams, 59 mm).
Discoid with fluted rim, central raised gorgoneion within scrolled tendrils.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Appels, A. & Laycock, S., Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, items AA9.2, AA9.3, for similar discoid elements.
FootnotesMilitary phalerae with representations of Medusa or the Gorgoneion were popular among the Roman army. They decorated horse harnesses and officers' armour. They were also used as appliqués for scabbards, caskets, or other items in military use. Our phalera is classical in style, recalling the style of the Gorgoneia of the Nemi's ship, and it could also have been used as decorative item for furniture.
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 Vessel with Galleys
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Squat jar with concentric rings to the base, flared rim to the mouth three high-relief galley images to the shoulder. 166 grams, 43 mm high
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The vase evokes a scene of maritime or river trade, usually linked to navigation on the Rhine or on the great rivers of Roman Gaul. In particular, the shape of the ship and the three people only half visible on its deck closely resemble the famous relief of the wine merchants of Neumagen-Dhron. The small jar was probably for domestic toilette use. -
Roman Bronze Epigraphic Codex Ansatus Model
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Rectangular with two supporting bars to the underside, extended loop above; enigmatic (Greek) letters to all faces. 63.7 grams, 33 mm
with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.
This small counter-weight bears letters indicating numbers: on one of the short sides Α (1), Δ (4), Χ (600); on the other short side they worn and difficult to read; and on one of the longer sides Υ (400), φ (500). The other letters are challenging to read, but the object would have been used as unit of measure. Another possibility is that it belonged to a statuette of a man holding a codex ansatus (box with a handle for carrying writing tablets). -
Late Roman Silver Ring with Cross
4th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With angular shoulders expanding towards the rectangular bezel, the bezel with an incised cross motif. 2.98 grams, 23.35 mm overall, 17.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
From the property of late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999. Accompanied by an old collection ticket.
