Roman White and Orange Glass Ring with Amber Inlay

Comprising: ellipsoid plate brooch with gilt border and central cell, pin-lug and catch to reverse; flat-section tweezers found in association with the brooch. 12.5 grams total, 32-37.6 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Dullingham, East Cambridgeshire, UK, on Friday 13th December 2024 and Thursday 1st May 2025. Accompanied by copies of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report nos.SF-9D6556 and SF-CF180C.

Orangey-red intaglio with a concave front and flat back, depicting the three-quarter bust of Serapis; displaying a tightly curled beard, shoulder-length wavy hair with a central parting brushed up from the forehead, wearing the characteristic calathus (woven basket or corn-measure) headgear, symbolising fertility; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.47 grams, 14 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god combining the Egyptian gods Osiris and Apis, but with a decidedly Greek appearance. He was promoted by Ptolemy I in the 3rd century BC to help unite the Greek and Egyptian people. Later, Ptolemaic rulers spread his worship, and Serapis became popular across the Roman Empire. Outside Egypt, he was often identified as Isis's partner, replacing Osiris. Over time, he also adopted traits associated with the Greek gods, Hades and Dionysus.

Ellipsoid bezel with notched rim, six impressed saltires with engraved name 'VICTOR' in the middle; the engraver first made a mistake: instead of the 'T', there was first a C, which was corrected to T. 4.90 grams, 20.48 mm overall, 16.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.