Romano-Celtic Silver Snake Bracelet

Hollow-formed with forefinger extended and bent, thumb in gripping position and other fingers curled around; mounted on a custom-made stand; thumb and forefinger restored. 4.65 kg total, 34 cm (47.5 cm high including stand)



Ex Frits Philips, Eindhoven, Netherlands, before 1980. European private collection, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12056-213654.

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.

Carved in the round and probably from a life-size statue or bust of philosopher; depicting an adult male with short tousled hair and a longer 'rim' of wavy tresses at the brow; short curly beard descending to the neck; broad brow with deep-set lentoid eyes; possibly Hadrian, repaired and weather-worn. 13.3 kg, 27 cm



By repute found near Hadrian's Wall, UK. From a collection acquired on the UK art market, circa 1999. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

This head of bearded man, from a statue or bust probably representing a philosopher, is very similar to the representation of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and though not imperial, can be dated to his age. The bust produces a convincing illustration of how faithful subjects tried to resemble their contemporary Caesars. Although damaged and blackened by some fire or bad weather conditions, the bust of man is distinguished by its perfect execution and good craftmanship.