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LOT 0889
Roman Silver Ring with Minerva
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (3.71 grams, 22.95 mm overall, 19.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)).
Ellipsoid bezel with incuse image of Minerva standing helmetted holding spear and shield; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s.
From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 246.
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
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Roman Buffware Oil Lamp with Seahorse
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Mould made with a solid round unpierced handle, broad horizontal shoulder separated from the discus by a shallow circular groove; upper filling-hole over the central part of the discus decorated by a seahorse leaping to the left, surrounded by volutes; slightly raised rounded nozzle, base-ring marked with two circular grooves. 57 grams, 76 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The depiction of various animals is common on Roman lamps, appearing just as frequently as they do elsewhere in Roman art. Animals formed part of the decorative and symbolic schemes on monumental and funerary sculpture, frescoes and mosaics. The hippocampus symbolised water, power, bravery, and helpfulness. It was also defined as a symbol of hope, strength, and agility because of its ability to help people. This popular sea creature was connected with imagination and creativity and also associated with the god of the sea, Poseidon. -
Bronze Age to Roman Bronze Artefact Collection
11th century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Comprising two arrowheads with foliate head and square-sectioned tang and three awls. 45 grams total, 3.6-10.8 cm
Acquired prior to 2000. Ex private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK.
The two arrowheads are similar to specimens found in Luristan. They belong to the type V of the Khorasani classification. The bow was widely used by the Luristan people. The shape of the blade is often flat or ovate in the cross section with lanceolate profile and two cutting edges. -
Roman 'Published' Terracotta Oil Lamp with Fighting Gladiators
Early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Grey fabric, broad discus with concentric rings and chamfered shoulder, short nozzle flanked by volute scrolls; scene of two murmillo gladiators in combat, one having fallen to the ground; maker's stamp to the underside 'MAR[..]S'; mounted on a custom-made stand. 66 grams, 95 mm (137 grams total, 14.6 cm high including stand)
Ex Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, Germany (1944-2001). with Christie's, Axel Guttmann collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 28 April 2004, no.178 (part). European private collection. Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 3rd February-9th March 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefact on display. Accompanied by a copy of the Christie's online catalogue listing. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Das Spiel mit dem Tod, book pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12049-211932.