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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.
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Roman Children's Leather Shoe Collection
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
Comprising: the sole of a carbatina type shoe, formed as two thick layers of leather with a third, thinner layer beneath, slits to the upper face to accept securing straps and punched ornamentation (lines of concentric-ring motifs), underside with a line of domed iron studs to the outer edge and others at he middle of the sole and heel; a soft shoe made from a single piece of leather with pierced triangular tags to the open upper face, the toe and heel sewn so that the seam does not contact the ground; a similar soft shoe with openwork sides resembling arcading, no covering at the toes, heel sewn. 150 grams total, 13-17.5 cm
Found City of London, UK. Acquired from mudlark Steve Brooker in the early 2000s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by several original handwritten letters regarding the conservation of the shoes. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12093-214631.
In Great Britain, examples of carbatinai dated to the last quarter of the 1st century A.D. have been found in Castleford. Others dated to the 2nd century have been found in London and Bar Hill. Carbatinae were often worn by children: two well-preserved specimens were discovered at the Vindolanda fort, which housed a mixed population of soldiers and their families. -
Roman Marble Mortar with Pestle
2nd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Broad squat carved mortarium with basal pad and four D-section ribs to the outer face; separate pestle shaped like a thumb. 1.96 kg total, 5.6-24.8 cm
Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1990s. Acquired from the above, 2000. Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12095-218195. -
Roman Openwork Military Belt Mount Group
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Each with a trapezoidal frame and openwork design: one a coiled triskele, the other a lozenge with cruciform spurs; from a military belt. 13.2 grams total, 28-35 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman