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LOT 0917
Roman Wolf's Head Finial
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (16.3 grams, 29 mm).
Modelled in the round with a slender snout and large incised eyes, ears pulled back along the neck, and fur detailing throughout.
ProvenanceEx German collection, 1990s.
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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Roman Bronze Artefact Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising: an oval enamelled mount with a central cell with a profile bust; a finial formed as a helmetted bust; a lozenge-shaped seal box with blue enamel; and a toggle fastener. 37.1 grams total, 24-31 mm
Found Lancashire and Yorkshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector. -
Roman Bronze Bracelet with Animal Head Terminal
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Lentoid in section with opposed beast-head finials, one absent. 39.2 grams, 67 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 41.2 grams total, 17-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
