Romano-British Decorated Bronze Dolphin Brooch

The third and last tablet of a Roman will made by Iulius Pomp(onius?), parts of lost surface on the inner face, two small holes both at the upper and lower rim (for binding the tablets of this document together); on the inner face the recess inscribed with twenty-one lines of Roman cursive script consisting of testamentary dispositions regarding a special category of fields (gemiones), ending with the mancipatory formula of Roman testaments; on the outer face two sulci and signatures of witnesses. 106 grams, 20.2 x 16.2 cm



Acquired by Albert Sfez in the early 1950s. Formerly the property of Monsieur Alain Sfez, a Belgium collector; acquired by gift from his father Albert Sfez, in 1965. Acquired by a London dealer in 1973. From an important London collection since 1975; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of an illustrated academic report by Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12601-230811.

Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer writes: 'Without any doubts this tablet is an original document from Roman times. Because only few Roman testaments have survived this document is of great importance both for Roman Legal and Social History'.

With D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders to snake's heads supporting oval bezel with indented sides; later large agate intaglio engraved with a standing figure of Mars (Ares) wearing a Corinthian helmet and holding spear and shield. 12.92 grams, 26.20 mm overall, 16.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975.

With squat bulbous body and broad shoulder, tapering neck with flared rim, dimpled base. 81 grams, 15.5 cm



From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

This kind of bottles are common in the Eastern Empire workshops of the Levant. Similar vessels, with faint ribs, have been excavated in the necropolises of Beit Ras, Jordan, and Samaria-Sebaste, Israel.