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LOT 0556
Romano-British Bronze Trumpet-Whorl Knife Handle
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (14.8 grams, 58 mm).
Openwork handle formed of curving trumpet-whorls, rectangular bar with a single rivet below. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
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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LOT 0556
Romano-British Bronze Trumpet-Whorl Knife Handle
Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35.6 grams total, 14-22 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. -
Roman Pale Green Glass Candlestick Unguentarium
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With a bell-shaped body, a tall, pinched neck, and a flared and rolled rim to the mouth. 29.8 grams, 13.6 cm
From the collection of a late Norfolk, UK gentleman's collection, formed from the late 1960s-1970s. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Scorpion and EI
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Featuring a flat-section hoop and a bezel with a scorpion with a raised tail and the letters 'EI'. 2.23 grams, 19.41 mm overall, 16.06 x 13.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
It is possible that the ring was carried by a Pretorian guardsman, as the scorpion was one of their emblems.
