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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 312

C. 224 to 651 AD. Sassanian. A beautiful Sassanian carved seal bead featuring a cloven hooved beast with recurved horns. Seals of this kind were used commonly throughout the Sassanian empire which ruled from Afghanistan to Iraq during the third to seventh centuries AD. Stamp seals were used by both members of the elite and ordinary people and bear motifs including portraits of the owner and mythical beings. They were used both to sign official documents and  worn around the neck to protect against evil spirits and magic. Excellent condition. Wearable as a pendant. Size: H:23mm; 16.5g. Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 313

c. 1200 - 1500 AD, Medieval. Silver ring with D-shaped hoop with ornate draped decoration and flattened, polygonal bezel featuring an incised star of David. The Star of David, known in Hebrew as the Shield of David or Magen David, is a generally recognized symbol of modern Jewish identity and Judaism. Its shape is that of a hexagram, the compound of two equilateral triangles. Kabbalists popularized the use of the symbol as a protection against evil spirits. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:20.5mm/L:23mm; 5.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 314

ca.600-800AD, Saxon period. Striking bronze ring with circular hoop and trumpet bezel enclosing a dark green glass setting secured by four 'arms'. This item have been worn by an individual with some disposable wearlth a sign of their status in Saxon society. Good, wearable. Size: D:18mm/L:27mm; 3.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 315

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze ring formed from a single band with a round hoop and flaring bezel bearing incised decoration comprised of vertical bands. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:19.5mm/L:24mm; 5g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 316

1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with circular loop, lozenge-shaped bezel and raised pip decoration on the shoulders. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:20mm/L:23mm; 4g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 32

1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Bronze Age. A bronze sword with a pointed, bevelled blade, raised midrib and  a short tang with a perforation for affixing the blade to a pommel. This item is mounted on a stand. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition. Size: L:430mm; 225g. Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 321

c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. A wonderful Spangenhelm-style helmet comprising several pieces of iron riveted to form a bowl shape. These helmets were extremely popular during the Viking Age as they were easier to produce and required less labour than similar helmets made from a single sheet of iron. Helmets such as this one would have protected the bravest Viking warriors in battle and would have been treasured for their protective function. For more on Spangenhelms across Europe see: DeVries, K., 2012. Medieval Military Technology. Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. Good condition, Repaired and Restored; Size: H160mmx200mmx200mm;1310gr (with stand). Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed in the 1970s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 329

700-900 BC, Bronze Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with a d-shaped section. Excellent condition, beautiful patina. Wearable Size: 47mmx64mm;59gr. Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 331

Ca. 700- 1100 AD. Viking Age. A fine Viking era silver penannular brooch with flaring terminals decorated with raised dots arranged in geometric patterns, circular section, and a fine pin. Brooches such as this one were status symbols, tradable goods in lieu of currency, and are often found as grave goods to provision the dead for the afterlife. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 67mmx36mm;10gr. Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 332

C. 300 AD, Roman. Silvered bronze bow brooch with prominent head and segmented decoration on the bow. Fibulae were both dress essentials for holding together cloaks, tunics, dresses and shawls, as well as important status markers in Roman society. Crossbow broacheswere often part of Roman military uniforms in the later Empire. Excellent condition. Size: 57mmx32mm;13gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK /European art markets.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 333

c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. A beautiful bronze dragon’s foot amulet comprised of four applied spheroid decorations with highly ornamented faux-woven borders, and four triangular charms suspended from the openwork suspension loops. In Norse mythology, Fáfnir (Old Norse and Icelandic) or Frænir is a son of the dwarf king Hreidmar and brother of  Regin , Ótr, Lyngheiðr and Lofnheiðr. After being affected by the curse of Andvari’s ring and gold, Fafnir became a dragon and was slain by the brave hero Sigurd. The wearable reminder of this myth would have inspired bravery in Viking warriors. Good condition. Size: 45mmx38mm;27gr. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 334

ca. 300 - 100 BC, Celtic Iron Age. Pair of silver earrings comprising circular hoops culminating in stylised fruit motif, perhaps symbolising fertility and plenty. These elegant pieces would probably have belonged to an Iron Age noblewoman. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: 30mmx30mm;13gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 335

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A superb bronze example of an axe or Perun amulet of the bearded variety comprising a suspension loop and stylised blade incised curvilinear decoration. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counter part to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 52mmx36mm;15gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 336

1-300 AD, Roman. Duck-shaped silvered bronze clasp for afixing Roman military requipment, probably for suspending equipment such as a helmet when it was not in use. Excellent condition - Stunning Patina. Size: 62mmx11mm;24. Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 337

C. 1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze key with square teeth featuring openwork design and flaring suspension hoop with raised decoration. Roman keys are highly sought-after collectors’ pieces. Keys were used to open chests, boxes, and caskets, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, and votive offerings. Usually worn around the person, keys were also a subtle status symbol implying that the wearer had valuable assets to protect. Good condition. Size: W: 55mm / H: 20mm;32gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market formed in the 1970s;

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 339

C. 1200-1600. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form of a crowned two headed eagle framed by a crimped border. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 5gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 34

c. 900-1100 AD. Viking Age. An iron bearded axe head with a heavy curved blade and a round socket. The bearded axe, or Skeggøx (from Old Norse Skegg, "beard", and øx, "axe") was common from the 6th century AD onwards in Scandinavia, but made most famous by the Vikings, who used these axes in battle to terrible effect. Bearded axes are named for the fact that the main part of the axe blade extends below the butt of the axe, creating a large cutting blade and allowing a fighter to hook onto the shields or weapons of his (or her) opponents. Further information on axes of this type can be found in H. Arbman, Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Excellent condition; mounted on a custom-made stand. Size: H:110mm/L:165mm/H:90mm (without stand); 855g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 341

C. 1100, Viking Age. A heavy silver ring is comprised of a circular hoop with flaring shoulders and a round bezel bearing incised decoration in the form of a ship and a sea-serpent surrounded by a circular frame. This ring was probably intended to evoke the mythical beast Jörmungandr. In Norse mythology,Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 3gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 344

1200-1600 AD. Medieval / possibly British. Bronze ring with D-shaped hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form a crowned lion holding a sword surrounded by a crimped border. The shoulders bear incised linear decoration. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 6gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 351

1-300 AD, Roman. Gold ring with a circular hoop, coiled decoration on the shoulders and an oval-shaped intaglio with 'dextrarum iunctio' ('joining together of the right hands') motif. In the fine arts, this motif is the representation of two people offering each other their right hand and is symbol of union and marriage, perhaps indicating that this item was a Roman wedding ring. Superb condition, wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 3gr. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 352

Ca.100 AD, Roman Amazing intact intaglio gold ring comprising diamond-shaped hoop with crimped decoration and raised bezel with red stone intaglio (probably carnelian), depicting the helmeted god Mars in profile. In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army. Most of his festivals were held in March, the month named for him, and in October, which began the season for military campaigning and ended the season for farming. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:15 mm; US 4: UK H; 9.80 g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 353

Ca. 100 AD, Roman. Gold lunar amulet comprises a crescent moon with suspension loop, corded border and applied spheres. In Roman mythology, Luna (the Moon) is sometimes viewed as a goddess in her own right, and sometimes appears as an epithet of more senior goddesses like Diana or Juno, meaning this item may be a sign of devotion to senior gods within the Roman pantheon. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: H: 30mm; W:28mm; 5gr. Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1970s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 355

Ca.100 AD, Roman. Well-preserved gold intaglio ring comprising circular hoop with incised decoration and applied spherical baubles. The raised bezel comprises corded border and a red stone intaglio (probably carnelian), depicting the helmeted god Mars in profile. In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army. Most of his festivals were held in March, the month named for him, and in October, which began the season for military campaigning and ended the season for farming. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 17mm;US 7.5 UK P; 3gr. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1970s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 356

Ca. 700- 1100 AD. Viking Age. A fine Viking era silver penannular brooch with flaring terminals decorated with raised dots arranged in geometric patterns, circular section, and a fine pin. Brooches such as this one were status symbols, tradable goods in lieu of currency, and are often found as grave goods to provision the dead for the afterlife. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 61mmx34mm;9gr. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 357

Ca.900 AD, Viking Age. Silver Viking Lunar pendant with loop, decorative raised dots (granulations) in geometric patterns, and incised lines decorations on pendant’s internal and external raised borders. Vikings were expert navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power to Vikings. The Moon was personified as Mani, brother to Sol the Sun, and is abundantly represented in Norse literature. Lunar pendants were worn as pectorals as well as suspended from belts, other clothing and horse harnesses. Good, wearable condition. Size: 25mmx29mm; 4gr. Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market before 2000.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 359

C. 700-900 AD, Viking Age. A fine silver bracelet with a solid lentoid-shaped central decoration, circular section and gently flaring terminals. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Good condition. Wearable Size: 56mmx63mm; 18gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 36

C. 450-1 BC.  La Tene culture. A set of two iron leaf shaped spearheads with raised midribs. Each of these items has been ritually bent. Iron weapons were an important part of La Tene culture, often appearing in warrior’s graves. The ritual bending of such weapons was a way to consign these valuable weapons to the graves or dedicate them in religious ritual. Weapons such as this sword served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. For more information about ritually bent spears see Ivan Drni? 2015, La Tène spearheads from south-eastern Pannonia and the northern Balkans: typology, chronology, ritual, and social context. Good condition. Size: L:200mm / W:230mm ; 497g. Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1980s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 360

700-900 AD, Viking Age. A fine silver bracelet with a solid lentoid-shaped central decoration, circular section and gently flaring terminals. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 60mmx63mm; 18gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 362

Ca. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A circular bronze pendant with suspension loop. The inner part of the pendant comprises weaved bands of decoration which simulate the appearance of wicker. While the Vikings are most commonly known for their prowess in war, they were also skilled in metalworking, as this beautiful piece illustrates well. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Size: 37mmx30mm; 7gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 365

Ca. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze bracelet with rectangular section and incised dot-in-circle decoration, a motif used to represent the sun. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Vikings were expert navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power to Vikings. The Moon was personified as Mani, brother to Sol the Sun, and both are abundantly represented in Norse literature. Size: 40mmx60mm; 11gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 367

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with punched dot and box decoration, and raised ridges on the terminals thought to be a stylised depictions of dragons, which frequently appear on Viking-age ornaments. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also. given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Dragons were important figures in Norse mythology, and were known for their powerful, destructive nature, perhaps reflecting a claim to power by the individual who once owned this bracelet. Good condition, beautiful patina Size: 48mmx63mm; 33gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 370

Ca.700-900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze pendant comprising stylised beast and rider viewed in profile, with two circular suspension holes below the rider's arms. In the Viking world, amulets were a part of everyday life and often included in mummy wrapping. The power of each amulet was variable and derived from a combination the amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, colour, material, and any magic incantations spoken over the piece. Good condition; attractive patina. Size: 45mmx34mm; 10gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 372

Ca.700-900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze pendant comprising bull with prominent curving horns and long, flowing tail. Holes for suspension are located on the hooves and within the tail In the Viking world, amulets were a part of everyday life and often included in mummy wrapping. The power of each amulet was variable and derived from a combination the amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, colour, material, and any magic incantations spoken over the piece. Good condition; attractive patina. Size: 38mmx34mm; 7gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 374

C. 300 AD, Roman. Bronze zoomorphic brooch in the form of a fish with well-modelled scales and slender tail. Hinge, pin and catchplate are well preserved on the reverse. Zoomorphic brooches were common under the Roman Empire, and are typically associated with Gaul and Britain, where they may have been an important part of dress amongst military communities. Good condition. Size: 38mmx14mm; 4gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK /European art markets.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 375

C. 300 AD, Roman. Axe-shaped brooch with enamelled panels in blue and red. This brooch type is typical of central European productions under the Roman Empire, probably reflecting the martial nature of societies on the edge of the Roman world, and closest to the uncivilised lands of the Barbaricum (Barbarian lands). Fair condition. Size: 19mmx26mm; 3gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 376

Ca 1-300 AD, Roman. A bronze ring with a thick circular hoop, flattened, rectangular bezel and perpendicular projecting key featuring an openwork labyrinth design. Keys rings were used to open chests, boxes, and caskets, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, and votive offerings. Key rings were also a subtle status symbol implying that the wearer had valuable assets to protect. Good condition, wearable. Size: 15mm; US 4.5 UK I1\2; 8gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 377

2000-1000 BC, Luristani. Bronze ring comprising a circular hoop with a flattened section bearing incised linear decoration and large applied circular bezel with raised sun motif. The sun is commonly depicted in Bronze Age art and seems to have been a powerful symbol of fertility and the passage of time. However, the sun was not just a natural phenomenon but was often viewed as a god in many Bronze Age societies. Good condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 14gr. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 379

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A bronze coiled ring intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Size: 23mm; 9gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 38

700-1000 AD, Viking Age. An iron sword with a long, single-edged blade, culminating in a point and a rectangular guard. The sword was an elite weapon during the Viking period, and only the most well-off warriors - the cavalry - would have been able to afford one. Such swords were used both by the Vikings and Khazars. The elite status of swords during the Viking age is made clear both by their presence in some of the richest graves as well as a law of Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, which requires soldeirs who could afford to maintain a horse to be equipped with a sword. Fair condition; on a custom-made stand. Size: L:670mm / W:100mm ; 408g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed in the 1980s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 381

1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with circular hoop and octagonal bezel with incised decoration depicting a beast of unclear identification. Perhaps the property of a Roman soldier, who may have used it to sign and seal his letters. Good, wearable condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 5gr. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 382

1200-1600 AD. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form a bird siting atop a column surrounded by a vegetal motif. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 17mm;US 7.5 UK P; 6gr. Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 383

1200-1400 AD, Late Byzantine. Bronze ring with circular hoop featuring incised star-in-circle decoration and oval bezel featuring a Greek inscription. The inscription probably includes an abbreviated name of its owner's name in the first line (NI for Nikator), suggesting it may have belonged to a pilgrim to the Holy Land during the later Middle Ages. Good condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 6gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 389

1-300 AD, Roman. Silver ring with circular hoop, shoulders with incised chevron decoration and raised, rectangular bezel with abstract incised decoration. Excellent, wearable condition. Size: 18mm; US 8 UK Q; 4gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 393

Ancient Egyptian. Striking restrung necklace comprising red, grey and brown hardstone beads of circular and annular form, arranged around a steatite scarab. The steatite scarab features well-modelled head and a hieroglyphic design on the reverse. Scarabs, from Latin scarabaeus (“beetle”), which in turn comes from Greek karabos (“beetle”; “crayfish”), were artistic depictions of the Egyptian dung beetle. In Egyptian mythology, these insects were linked to the Sun God Ra, who after his death in the Underworld, was reborn as a scarab. Used as amulets, seals and to fulfil commemorative functions, scarabs were an important element of dress. Their undersides frequently feature hieroglyphic or geometric designs to identify their owners or ward off evil spirits. Due to their small, abstract nature, scarabs cannot normally be closely dated generally. See K. M. Kooney (2008). ‘Scarabs,’ in The UCLA Encyclopaedia of Egyptology, available online at https://escholarship.org/uc/item/13v7v5gd Good condition; professionally restrung and wearable. Size: 26mm; 7gr. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 394

712-30 BC, Late Period/Ptolemaic. A very fine blue faience Shu amulet with raised detail. Pierced longitudinally for suspension. Egyptian culture and mythology, Shu was believed to be divinity of light and air, personifying the wind and the earth’s atmosphere. He marked the separation between day and night, and between the living and the dead. The deity was also associated with the principle of life. Shu was particularly important to sailors, as they called upon his power to aid the ships’ sails. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 24mmx16mm; 2gr. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 395

712-30 BC, Late Period/Ptolemaic. A beautiful blue faience Thoth amulet showing the god with the head of an ibis striding forward and wearing a short kilt. Pierced longitudinally for suspension. Thoth was the Egyptian god of knowledge and wisdom, creator of hieroglyphs and patron god of scribes. The ibis head was reserved solely for his representation. It was believed that Thoth recorded the verdict of the deceased’s fate during the ‘Weighing of the heart ceremony’. Amulets such as this would have been placed upon the mummy to anticipate a good outcome in the ceremony. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 26mmx7mm; 1gr. Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 396

712-30 BC, Late Period/Ptolemaic. A beautiful faience Eye of Horus pendant with raised detail and pierced transversely for suspension. The Ancient Egyptians believed the Eye of Horus embodied the symbolic power of protection in the afterlife. According to Ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Horus lost his eye in a battle against his uncle Seth, but it was later magically restored by Hathor. The eye was personified as a god itself, named Wadjet. The eye would bring prosperity, health, wisdom and protection to the wearer. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 29mmx21mm; 2gr. Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 397

400-600 AD, Early Byzantine. Open-work gold earrings in a crescent shape, decorated with extensive granulation and featuring a cross, four birds and bunches of grapes, which are all symbols of Christianity. Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. This item probably belonged to a Byzantine noblewoman, eager to profess her faith. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: 40mmx33mm; 4gr. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 406

C. 1-300 AD, Roman. A beautiful gold floral pendant comprising a circular disk and an suspension loop decorated with a nine petalled flower. This ornate item would probably have belonged to a well-off Roman matron. Good condition; wearable. Size: 17mmx12mm; 0.6gr. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 407

Ca. 700- 1100 AD. Viking Era. A fine silver penannular brooch with flaring terminals decorated with raised dots arranged in geometric patterns and incised lines, circular section, and a fine pin. Brooches such as this one were status symbols, tradable goods in lieu of currency, and are often found as grave goods to provision the dead for the afterlife. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 66mmx46mm; 22gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1970s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 411

c. 1000-1500 AD. Medieval. A silver ring with a round hoop and a circular bezel bearing incised decoration in the form of a ship and sailors. This item may have belonged to a merchant who made his fortune in shipping. Good condition. Size: 18mm; US 8 UK Q; 2gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 415

1000-1200 AD, Norman. Rare bronze ring with circular hoop and round bezel bearing incised decoration described within a circle. The decoration comprises a detailed horse in motion against a vegetal background. The Normans were a people descended from the Vikings, who came to settle Northern France, before carving out kingdoms for themselves in Britain and Sicily. They were fearsome fighters just like their Viking ancestors, and revelled in their military prowess. This item may have belonged to one such Norman warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 20.6mm, US: 11, UK: V1/2; 10.1g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 417

Ca.900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze Viking open work Lunar pendant with loop, decorated with raised dots (granulations). Vikings were expert navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power to Vikings. The Moon was personified as Mani, brother to Sol (the Sun), and is abundantly represented in Norse literature. Lunar pendants were worn as pectorals as well as suspended from belts, other clothing and horse harnesses. Good, wearable condition. Size: H: 21.6mm, W: 24.3mm; 3.41g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 418

C. 1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze amulet in the form of a six-spoked wheel with supension loop. The wheel is a symbol of fate and fortune in the Roman world and perhaps represents the original owner's desire for good luck. Good condition; wearable. Size: H: 25.0mm, W: 19.5mm; 2.32g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 42

1200-800 BC. Bronze Age Luristani. Rare decorated bronze axe with flat, curved blade, prominent midrib which splits to form three branches as it approaches the blade, and circular socket. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition; on custom-made stand. Size: H:130mm/L:145mm/H:45mm (without stand); 500g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 423

C. 300 AD, Roman. Superb bronze bow brooch with prominent coiled head terminating in finely-executed spheres and incised linear decoration interspersed with stylised stars on the bow. Fibulae were both dress essentials for holding together cloaks, tunics, dresses and shawls, as well as important status markers in Roman society. Crossbow brooches were often part of Roman military uniforms in the later Empire. Excellent condition. Size: H: 94.2mm, W: 39.2mm; 38.91g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 424

Ca. 700-1100 AD. Viking Era. A Viking era bronze penannular brooch with flaring terminals decorated with raised dots arranged in geometric patterns, circular section, and a fine pin. This brooch is made more spectacular by the addition of cowrie shells wired to the body of the brooch. Brooches such as this one were status symbols, tradable goods in lieu of currency, and are often found as grave goods to provision the dead for the afterlife. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good condition. Size: H: 82.0mm, W: 40.6mm; 16.29g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 425

700-900 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with incised decoration bands comprising curvilinear designs and pips. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Good condition, beautiful patina. Size: H: 46.4mm, W: 61.7mm; 19g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 427

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze twisted bracelet comprised strands of bronze woven together with incised lines intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Wearable. Size: H: 52.3mm, W: 70.4mm; 37.90g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s;

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Pax Romana Auctions
Lot 428

c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A beautiful gold pendant with a suspension loop in the form of an inverted teardrop with applied curvilinear scrollwork and granulation. This ornate item would probably have belonged to a well-off Roman matron. Good condition; wearable. Size: H: 43.8mm, W: 19.8mm; 4.50g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1970s.

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