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LOT 0777
Romano-British Lead Bird Steelyard Weight
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (700 grams, 11.2 cm).
Formed with stub wings, a hooked beak and circular eyes, tail folded under the body,tail feathers and a speckled or ruffled breast underlined by moulded textures; iron loop embedded in the reverse face. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Nigel Mills, London, UK.
LiteratureCf. for a similar dove in copper-alloy on the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme see no.NLM-7DDF63.
FootnotesThe iron loop of the back may suggest this was attached to a vessel or other receptacle. Greek mythology associated the small white bird with Aphrodite, the goddess of love (known in Roman mythology as Venus). Venus is often depicted with doves fluttering around her or resting on her hand.
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
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