Roman 'Wiltshire' Lead Dice Gaming Piece

With a portion of the upper pectoral muscles still visible, part of a cloak (chlamys) gathered on the left shoulder. 9.95 kg, 29 cm wide



From an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s. English private collection.

The original statue or bust represented an athletic type, probably a hero or a demigod, or the god of war, Ares. However, the presence of the cloak resting on the left shoulder could also recall statues of divinities, such as Zeus with his left arm raised, or Asklepios, or Hermes.

Comprising a circular headplate with pointillé tendril ornament, and three radiating lugs, each with a flared collar below; deep D-section bow with boar-head modelling including open mouth and tusks, bristles and pricked ears; parallel-sided chamfered edges, recurved finial with dog-head detailing and teardrop dangle in the mouth; spring and pin to the reverse. 28 grams, 65 mm



with Artemis Gallery, Münich, before 1998. Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2001. 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 number no.12226-222179.

As the boar's mouth is modelled open, it is likely that it also had a dangle similar to that of the dog's head. The artistic effect of the brooch is to symbolise the chase, with the boar fleeing and the hound in close pursuit behind. This kind of fibula was used by the Romano-British people of Britannia, as attested by specimens found in Britain (BM inventory no.PRB 1954.12-6.1).

Reversed fantail type with ribbed bulbs above and below the bow formed as three plain bulbs, pelta-shaped foot with long catch to the reverse, spring and pin intact. 17.9 grams, 38 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.