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LOT 0753
Roman Silver Ring with Later Inscribed Gemstone
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
3/4 in. (9.18 grams, 21.93 mm overall, 18.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 15)).
With baluster detailing to the shoulders, later inset jasper stud with legend 'ΙXΘYС' (= ICTUS = fish = Jesus Christ).
ProvenancePrivate collection, England.
LiteratureCf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 208, for type.
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 0753
Roman Silver Ring with Later Inscribed Gemstone
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Musical Flute
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
An extremely rare aulos or tibia with round-section body, six circular holes to one side and a D-shaped hole to the reverse. 87 grams, 23 cm
Fine condition. Extremely rare.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; from her collection formed early 1960s-1990s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11055-184396.
The flute was used for religious ceremonies and for entertainment. The pyrrhic, a war dance of Doric origin, was a rapid dance to the double flute, and made to resemble an action in battle. -
Large Late Roman Sigma-Shaped Marble Offering Table Top
Eastern Mediterranean, 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
Semi-circular with raised and slightly everted edge, the top with a recessed area with a funnel-shaped outlet; for votive offerings within a church; restored. 84.5 kg including backplate, 91 cm wide
In general good condition, re-assembled.
Acquired in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Ex David Read collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12080-214035.
Marble tables such as the present example are called in archaeological terms sigma tables, in consideration of their resemblance to the Greek letter sigma. Sigma-shaped tables appeared in the banquet halls at the end of the 4th century and within Christian buildings from the following century. Most of the undecorated slabs were used as liturgical table tops for feasts to honour the deceased. This commemorative practice was known throughout the late Roman world in west and east, where it continued in the daily life of the citizens of the Eastern Roman Empire. In ecclesiastical settings, circular and sigma-shaped tables were used to collect offerings or for celebrating the agape, more generally as secondary furniture, while the rectangular form was preferred for use as an altar. -
Roman Lead 'Loaded Dice' Gaming Piece
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Cuboid with impressed point markings disposed 6:6, 2:3, 5:4; old collector's tag '250'. 9.24 grams, 11 mm
From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.250.
The die appears to have two broader faces each with two lines of three points flanking a larger central point, perhaps suggesting that the score could be either 1 or 6 according to context.
