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LOT 0204
Roman Silver Ring with Lion Attacking a Bird Gemstone
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.73 grams, 25.14 mm overall, 18.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
Rounded bezel with inset jasper gemstone, intaglio scene of a lion pouncing upon a goose taking flight; possibly a marriage or the stone has been displaced due to corrosion in the socket.
ProvenanceFrom a collection of a London lady, acquired annually during 1990s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 235, 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 0204
Roman Silver Ring with Lion Attacking a Bird Gemstone
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Roman Mosaic Glass Bead
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Of oblate shape with an intricate chequerboard pattern; the patterns assembled from bundles of compatible coloured canes melted together, pulled out long and the slices then melted as the bead around bead surfaces. 2.66 grams, 14.7 mm
London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. -
Roman Bronze Lion Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Crouching adult male lion with forepaws extended. 24.7 grams, 36 mm wide
Acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Ex property of a European gentleman. Acquired on the UK art market in 2015. Property of a Kent lady collector. -
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Late Roman Inscribed Silver Ring for Konstantinos
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Comprising an octagonal band with rounded inside, engraved inscription in Greek on four facets reading 'ΚΟΝ ΑΝΒ /ΟΗΑ ΙΑΤΟ /ΥΥΨ ΙϹΤΟ/ +ΘΚ ΑΤΟΙ', interspersed with a palm branches on the other facets. 2.48 grams, 19.61 mm overall, 17.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex London, UK, collection, 2000s. Accompanied by a copy of a statement of opinion from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 210711.
This type of ring (type III, Variant 1, of the Ruseva-Slokoska classification) is common among gold and silver examples since the 3rd century A.D. The inscription on our ring, however, shows Christian elements (such as the palm branch) which allow a dating to the 4th-5th century A.D. The inscription '+ΘΚ ΑΤΟΙ /ΚΟΝ ΑΝΒ /ΟΗΑ ΙΑΤΟ /ΥΥΨ ΙϹΤΟ' is not simple to interpret. It could be read as '+Θ(ΕΟΤΟΚ)E A (ΓΙΑ) TOI/ KON(ϹΤ)ΑΝ (TINΩ) B/OH(Θ EI) A(Γ)ΙΑ TO/ Υ ΥΨΙϹΤΟ' = 'Holy Mother of God help Constantine from the heights of your Holiness [Konstantinos being the possible owner of the ring]'.
