Romano-British 'Published' Bronze Knuckle Bones Gaming Dice

Modelled as a slender man with thick hair and beard, seated and naked with rope binding the hands together at his back; mounted on a custom-made stand. 104 grams total, 51 mm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Comprising a keeled hoop forked at the shoulders to form two elegant scrolls supporting the raised bezel, decorative grooves framing the garnet cabochon. 8.16 grams, 23.85 mm overall, 19.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12114-214295.

The type of ring seems to date (with the volutes on the shoulders) to the late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D., although the model is certainly derived from the Hellenistic world. The use of carnelian and garnet was abundant in Hellenistic and Roman rings, and the style of the rings continued without change in the Roman Hellenised east.

Comprising fifty-one rings including discoid, scaphoid, square, ellipsoid and other bezels, with hatching, profile animals, tiered panels and other designs. 139 grams total, 15-25 mm



Part formerly in a European collection, acquired before 1980. From a Dutch private collection. Part from the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980.