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LOT 0634
Roman 'Thames' Leather Marching Shoe Sole Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
8 7/8 - 9 5/8 in. (248 grams total, 22.5-24.5 cm).
With perforations for attachment to the shoe uppers through nails; one fragmentary. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound by Steve Brooker on the Thames foreshore at Embankment, London, UK, 2001.
Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.
Cf. Trustees of the British Museum, Antiquities of the Roman Britain, London, 1964, p.11 fig.4, for similar, from London.
FootnotesWaterlogged conditions on the Thames waterfront have created the oxygen-free environment needed for the survival of ancient organic artefacts. Among the studied or published Roman leatherwork from London, 89% is composed of footwear. The introduction of vegetable tanned leather and the expansion of ironworking were some of the major technological innovations of the Roman period; allowing the mass production of sturdy, hobnailed shoes.
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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Large Roman Terracotta Jar
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With narrow base, bulbous body, broad neck, carinated collar to the rim. 2.9 kg, 33.5 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Romano-British Bronze Owl Candlestick
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Comprising a stylised owl figurine standing on a flared base, with incised feather detailing to the wings, legs and body, recessed eyes to accept glass inserts (one absent); fitted with a separately modelled cowl or hood with incised detail to the breast, topped with a conical finial to accept a candle. 70 grams, 10.5 cm
Acquired in the 1980s. From the Belgian collection of Mr D.S. of Flemu. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.
The owl was the symbol of the Goddess Minerva in Roman tradition. Her name is linked etymologically to the English word 'mind' and she was considered to be the source of human intellect, patron of wisdom, crafts and sciences. The base of the figurine has been bent laterally as if to mount it on a post or rail. -
Roman Iridescent Glass Vial
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Greenish-light blue glass, long and narrow body, splayed rim. 7.72 grams, 88 mm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
During the early Roman period the glass-making techniques used by the Greeks were continued. Much of the glass was buried and as a result acquired an attractive lustrous patination. Roman glass became a medium for the promotion of the emperor and imperial propaganda, as well as being used as container for various uses. Glass blowing, a new technique, meant that quantities of identical bottles could be produced.
