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LOT 0137
'The Uttoxeter' Roman Octagonal Rolling Dice
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (58 grams, 54 mm).
An octagonal bronze 'Stabwuerfel' rolling dice with rounded terminals, drilled dot numbering rotating the rod clockwise: 1; 4-4; 3; 5; 2; 7; 4; 6; an additional single dimple to the end face of one terminal; all numbers are drilled at the centre of the rod with the exception of the number 8, which is split into two groups of 4, located at either end.
ProvenanceFound whilst searching with a metal detector rear North Uttoxeter, East Staffordshire, UK, on Saturday 11th March 2017, by Martin Colclough.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no. LANCUM-E6101C where it states: 'Stabwuerfel (germ. rod dice) are very rare in this country and this is the first one recorded on this database...This die will be marked a Find of Note for the area...and has been designated: Potential for inclusion in Britannia.'
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1871,0910.2, for a similar hexagonal bone example.
FootnotesThe PAS report describes this find of note as being 'in extremely good condition'. The dots may once have had an enamel fill.
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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Roman and Other Mixed Bead Group
Mainly early 1st millennium A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £229
A mixed group of beads including tabular, oblate, melon, fusiform and other types in glass, onyx, crystal, faience, shell and other materials. 288 grams total, 2-28 mm
Fair condition.
Abelita family collection, 1980-2015. -
Roman Silver Ring with Wave Design
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A silver annular band decorated with dot-in-ring motifs alternating with diagonal dashes. 6.55 grams, 27.50 mm overall, 24.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+4, USA 14 1/4, Europe 33.83, Japan 32)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Gemstone with Zeus Serapis and Isis
2nd-3rd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £442
A gem with a representation of Zeus Serapis enthroned, modius on his head, sceptre and eagle by his side, Isis Gubernatrix to his right and Isis sail-bearer to his left, all three figures riding a galley or cargo ship. 0.28 grams, 10 mm
Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
This triad formed by Serapis and the two aspects of Isis (Gubernatrix and sail-bearer) aboard a ship, appears in several examples of Alexandrian coinage and gemstones. This imagery is linked to the image of Isis, goddess of the sea, and Serapis, god of vegetation and protector of the sailors.
