Roman 'Suffolk' Bronze Bird Mount

Comprising a small chalice-shaped vessel with tall foot and three shallow miniature platters. 78 grams total, 34-54 mm



Property of a UK gentleman, acquired in the 1970s. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.

Loop-in-loop chain, each link formed from two strands of thick gold wire; thick hook with the end coiled about the shank; eye with ribbed detailing and coiled end; housed in a custom-made display case. 28.15 grams, 46.5 cm long

Excellent condition

Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London 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 no.11937-210478.

Among the necklaces manufactured from gold mesh (hormoi or chains), there are two recognisable fundamental types: the first, shorter and with endings suitable for being fixed on fabric, was used to adorn clothes, hooked at shoulder height. The second type (like our specimen) was worn around the neck and was generally fitted with a simple hook-and-eyelet closure.

A factory lamp with flat-topped oval body, broad flat shoulder and small concave plain discus; flat bottom with Latin inscription 'FORTIS'. 77.7 grams, 96 mm



From the collection of a High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman, circa 2000.

At the end of the 1st century B.C., in the Po Valley, began the industrial production of Firmalampen, i.e. lamps signed on the bottom in relief noting the place of production or fabrica. The signature FORTIS, visible on this specimen, is one of the most documented and is attributable to the workshop of L. Aemilius Fortis, recently discovered to have been in Mutina (Modena).