1st century BC-2nd century AD. A bronze figure of Venus (Greek Aphrodite) standing nude with right leg bent; the hair gathered in a chignon with strands extending to the shoulders and back, fine facial detailing with slightly protrusive annular eyes and small pert mouth; ribbed bracelet to the left upper arm; hand extended holding a pomegranate between thumb and forefingers; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 75-76. 803 grams, 21cm including stand (8 1/4"). From an important central London collection formed since the mid 1960s; thence by descent; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10138-164565. Very fine condition, right arm absent. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
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13th-7th century BC. A bronze pin formed with a horned animal-head finial and round-section tapering collared shaft; another quadruped stands between two collars; incised geometric designs towards the top of the shaft. 198 grams, 26cm (10 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; formerly with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired before 1972. Fine condition.
3rd century AD. A group of four lead votive trapezoidal and square plaques showing scenes of Danubian cult: on two plaques the god Sol and the goddess Luna are depicted in profile on the right and the left side of the upper part of the section; on the two other plaques the sun at the top section driving the sun-chariot with four-horse (quadriga); at the centre of all plaques facing Helen of Sparta, the divine daughter of Leda and Zeus, welcoming her divine brothers, the twins Castor and Pollux, both personifying the Danubian rider; on one plaque both the riders advancing, holding the draco standard of the Roman legions; a soldier armed like a third century legionary is following the left cavalryman; one plaque with a cockerel, the sacred animal of the sun, foliage and animal symbols representing the divine power and the offerings to the gods on the fields, with scene of banquets; the eagle of Zeus at the top of two plaques; architectural elements on the background of all plaques. See Tudor, D., Corpus Monumentorum Religionis Equitum Danuviorum, 2 vols., Leiden 1969-1976; V. Vasilev, 'Two Lead Plaques with a Depiction of a Danubian Horseman from the Collection of the National Museum of the History of the Ukraine' in Ancient Civilizations from Scythia to Siberia 10,1-2, 2004, pp.67-76; Beutler F., Farka C., Gugl C., Humer F., Kremer, G. and Pollhammer, E.(ed.), Der Adler Roms, Carnuntum und die Armee der Caesaren, Bad Voslau, 2017, cat.67, for a similar plaque in bronze. 557 grams total, 77-97mm (3 - 3 3/4"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); one acquired from A. G. & S. Gillis, Barnsley, UK, in 2000; and one acquired from Zeus Antiquities, Beverley Hills, USA, in 2005; both accompanied by original invoices and certificate of authenticity from Zeus Antiquities. The plaques contain a complex iconography of divine figures and symbols, probably to be associated with Thracian or Dacian beliefs of the Lower Danube region, but also with the Greek Myth of the divine twins Castor and Pollux (the Dioskouroi), an important element of the Roman religion too. Presiding over the whole scene is usually the Sol Invictus (the unconquered sun-god) and his sister the Moon (Selene"). His cult originated in the Near East and gained increasing influence under imperial patronage during the third century AD. The state worship of Sol (Greek Elios) was slowly substituted by Constantine's favour towards Christianity since AD 312. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils. [4] Fine condition.
1st century BC-1st century AD. A bronze upper staff terminal in the form of a closed crook with socket for attachment, the slender curved tip extending from the socket and ending in a stylised bovine or horse head with incised eyes, detailing to edges and the nose ending with small loop, possibly to receive a tassel; the socket with two cross pins to secure to a wooden shaft. Cf. Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference NMS-178AE0, for a similar, more ornately detailed example, also from Norfolk. Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference NMS-003D82 (this item"). 45.1 grams, 44mm (1 3/4"). Found while searching with a metal detector in Ashwellthorpe parish, near Norwich, Norfolk, UK, Tuesday 17 October 2017; uncovered in undisturbed soil at a depth of 18 inches; accompanied by a copy of the Portable Antiquities Scheme Report number NMS-003D82, including associated museum drawings. Very fine condition. Extremely rare. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
1st-5th century AD. A glazed wooden display case with mounted bronze military fittings comprising: two panels of squama scale armour; two buckles with openwork plates and a fitting of the related belt; a large belt buckle with scrolls; an amphora belt strap end; five propeller belt stiffeners; a lorica segmentata lobate hinge; a belt buckle with embossed emperors; a double buckle fastener; reputedly from Germanic provinces. See Bishop, M. C., Coulston, J.C.N., Roman military equipment, from the Punic wars to the fall of Rome, London, 2006; Radman Livaja, I., Militaria Sisciensia, Finds of the Roman military equipment in Sisak in the holdings of the archaeological Museum in Zagreb, Zagreb, 2004; Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007; Appels A., Laycock S., Roman buckles and military fittings, Witham, 2007; D'Amato, R., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier, London, 2009. 955 grams total, 30 x 21cm (11 3/4 x 8 1/4"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); one item acquired from Saxby's Coins, Tamworth, UK, in 2015; and for the armour from H. Vincent McCarthy, Bournemouth, UK, in 2001; accompanied by copies of two original invoices. A superb collection of military kit ranging through all periods of the classical and late Roman military equipment: the lobate hinge of a Corbridge type segmentata introduces the defensive protections of the 1st century AD, while the later protection is represented by the 2nd-3rd century semi-rigid scale armour wide fragments, constructed from scales wired to each of their four neighbours, above and below as well to either side. The pieces of intricate belt openwork mounts well exemplify the Antonine and early Severian belt styles, while the belt stiffeners and the beautiful massive buckle and amphora shaped pendant give us a wonderful idea of late Roman military belts, as well as the decorative double fastener and the magnificent buckle with the image of the West and East Emperors. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils. [15] Very fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A silver mount of an eagle with hollow-formed head and body, applied foot with claws remaining, recessed panels to the wings and tail set with haematite, jasper and other tesserae. The present bird follows the format of a similar creature with spread wings on the crest of a bronze helmet from southwest Iran, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession number 63.74; see also Rickards, T., Black J., and Green, A., Gods, demons, and symbols of ancient Mesopotamia, an illustrated dictionary, London, 1992; Caubet A., and Bernus-Taylor M.,The Louvre, Near Eastern Antiquities, London, 1991; Mahboubian, H., Elam, Art and civilization of ancient Iran, 3000-2000 BC, Salisbury, 2004. 16.7 grams, 86mm (3 1/4"). Property of a London collector; from her family's private collection; formerly with a London gallery; acquired in the 1990s; accompanied by an academic report by Dr. Raffaele D’Amato, and an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.164084/7/10/2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10159-164084. The Elamite objects manufactured in silver, bronze or copper, made during the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC, are among the best of their kind. The bird on the Metropolitan Museum of Art helmet is shown with its head raised, the back and wings with repoussé sheet metal feather detailing. A number of different birds occur in Mesopotamian art as symbols of deities. One type of a long-necked species, first appeared during the Uruk Period, as a type of standard, with the bird shown on top of a small rod, mounted on the back of a snake-dragon. The symbol of a bird on a high perch, probably represents a bird-standard, which was common on the Kassite kudurrus, and can be identified from the inscriptions as a symbol of the obscure dual gods Suqamuna (and) Sumalia (Kassite gods), whose images were brought from Babylonia to Susa in the booty war of King Shutruk Nahhunte. Fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
6th-4th century BC. A bronze shallow carinated bowl with broad flared rim; repoussé tear-shaped bosses within arches arranged around a central shallow omphalos, stylised flowers between; Luschey, 1929, type 1.c.8. See Moorey, R.P.S., et al., Ancient Bronzes Ceramics and Seals, California, 1981, item 627, for a very similar example and discussion; cf. Curtiss, J. & Tallis, N., Forgotten Empire. The World of Ancient Persia, London, 2005, for comparable items and discussion. 154 grams, 11.6cm (4 3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; formerly with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired before 1972. Fine condition.
12th-13th century AD. A gilt bronze Corpus Christi wearing crown with central cross finial, head slumped to the left, arms outstretched, tunic around waist, legs and feet together; details to feet, hands, face and clothing; piercing to each hand and the feel for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Hook and MacGregor, Medieval England, The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1997, p.42, for a later but comparable example of a Limoges crucifix. 213 grams total, 22cm including stand (8 3/4"). Property of a European gentleman living in London; from his grandfather's collection by descent in 1989; formerly in the family collection since at least the 1970s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10232-167000. Very fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
26th Dynasty, 664-525 BC. A bronze figure of striding Horus, right arm raised with hand clenched and hollow to accept a spear, left arm bent with fist clenched; the god with hawk head, tripartite wig and Pschent (double crown) of Upper and Lower Egypt with frontal uraeus; rectangular base with hieroglyphic inscription: 'May Horus, Lord of Heaven, Grant Life, Prosperity, Health, a long lifetime [and a good] old age', with the mother's name '[Nes]gereh'; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. similar upper body pose adopted by Horus of Pe figure in the British Museum, accession number 1880,0210.4, published in Andrews, C., Egyptian Treasures from the British Museum, London, 2000, p.70-71. 667 grams total, 22cm including stand (8 1/2"). Ex Soumekh collection, during the late 1990s and early 2000s; formerly in the private collection of Mr Christopher Laurent, Brussels, Belgium; acquired from a local dealer in 1963; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10120-167437. The posture represents Horus slaying the evil god Seth, represented as a hippopotamus and particularly seen in reliefs carved on the wall in the outer ambulatory in his principle temple of Ptolemaic date at Edfu. Very fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
![Circa 79 AD. A bronze rectangular stamp bearing a legend in two lines of raised and reversed text 'PARTHINOPEI / VILLI [.] PR](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/b0e8571a-a04b-4925-ae20-ac4f0110faab/83c49a08-d892-4cb5-850a-ac4f011680fe/468x382.jpg)
Circa 79 AD. A bronze rectangular stamp bearing a legend in two lines of raised and reversed text 'PARTHINOPEI / VILLI [.] PRISCI' relating to a certain Priscus; reverse loop absent. See Loreti, E. M., 'Signacula bronzei dell'Antiquarium comunale di Roma' in Epigrafia della produzione e della distribuzione Actes de la VIIe Rencontre franco-italienne sur l'épigraphie du monde romain (Rome, 5-6 juin 1992), Rome: École Française de Rome, 1994, pp.645-653 (Publications de l'École française de Rome, 193"). 33.5 grams, 59mm (2 1/4"). From a private German collection, pre 2000. Very fine condition.
12th-8th century BC. A triple-banded gold 'ring money' or adornment, a composite collar-type ring comprising three conjoined bands. Cf. Taylor, J.T., Bronze Age Goldwork of the British Isles, Cambridge, 1980, pl.30h (which was found at Granta Fen, Ely, Cambs) and 34d and 34e. 3.43 grams, 14mm (1/2"). Property of an Essex gentleman; acquired from John Moor, York, UK, in 2010; previous in an old continental collection formed before 1980. Chris Rudd says: 'Though primarily made as a piece of jewellery – almost certainly a tress-ring in this instance – such rings probably had a secondary purpose too, as a convenient method of portable wealth storage. In that sense one might justifiably regard these items as a form of primitive pre-coinage money, although today’s archaeologists are keen that we refer to them as ‘penannular rings’ rather than ‘ring money.' Very fine condition.
8th century BC. A bronze helmet of conical form made in one piece, a raised groove to the front, three arched ribs with round terminals above the brim resembling eyebrows, chased royal lion motif above, the central rib from helmet's apex with a stylised animal; a row of pierced holes for the fastening of a leather lining to the edges; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Borchardt, J., Homerische Helme: Helmenformen der Ág?is in ihren Beziehungen zu orientalischen und europäischen Helmen in der Bronze-und frühen Eisenzeit, Mainz, 1972; Born H., Seidl U., Schutzwaffen aus Assyrien und Urartu, Sammlung Axel Guttmann IV, Mainz, 1995; Christie’s,The art of the warfare, the Axel Guttmann collection, Part I, Wednesday 6 November 2002, London; Christie’s,The art of the warfare, the Axel Guttmann collection, Part II, Wednesday 28 April 2004, London, 2004; Dezs?, T., Near Eastern Helmets of the Iron Age, (British Archaeological Reports, S992), Oxford, 2001. 2.1 kg total, 48cm including stand (19"). Property of a London gentleman; believed to be ex Guttmann collection; accompanied by an archaeological report by military specialist Dr. Raffaele D'Amato; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10197-167081. In literature, these helmet are identified with the general word for helmet ( Gurpisu), and especially with the word Karbatullu. This specimen is a rare example of a helmet of this typology with multiple rim-holes for the attachment of a lining fabric, although this would have been normal for most Urartian helmets. The lion figure, also visible on Assyrian or Urartian helmet fragments preserved in the British Museum, is usually connected with the goddess Ishtar, supporter of Assyrian royal power. Fine condition.
Dated circa 2031 BC. A rectangular clay tablet inscribed with 221 lines of Sumerian cuneiform for a monthly list of activities involving copper; accompanied by a copy of a signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Clay Tablet 170 x 171 mm, inscribed with a total of 221 lines of Sumerian Cuneiform in 10 columns five on each side. The upper right-hand comer is missing, and the lower right-hand portion is composed of two pieces rejoined with some loss of surface at the joints. However, the greater part of the tablet remains, and is well preserved, being written in a clear scribal hand. This is an administrative document from the town of Umma, in the far south of Sumer, being dated to the 7th year of Shu - Sin, fourth king of the Third Dynasty of Ur, e. 2031 B.C. It is a monthly list of activities involving copper, being dated to the 20 month of the year (April/ May by our calendar"). At this time Sumer was bureaucratically run by the central government, and the government dominated many aspects of the economy. Thus metalworking, which depended on imports of ore, was centrally run. The craftsmen were provided with the materials, and they produced the tools and weapons needed for the workers army. But everything had to be recorded in writing, and this document lists the large number of individual small tablets written during this month recording so many of this or that tool of copper, and the name of the responsible person written on the tablet. It is not stated whether these documents record the receipt of finished tools from the craftsmen who made them, or the issue of tools to craftsmen who needed them for daily use. In the ancient world this was too well known to be recorded. Obviously both kinds of documents must have existed, so until there is much more known it is best to leave this matter open. The tablet attests to the vast amount of organised activity in Sumer at this time. TRANSLATION 1 edim. 3 minas; 3 gravers, 2 minas; 3 axes, 2 minas; 3 sickles, 12 minas; document of Lugale - bansha 22 hows: 65 sickles, 12 minas; 60 axes: document of Abba - gina 120 hoes: 20 sickles: document of Gir 8 hoes: document of Lugal - nisage [...] hoes: 10 sickles: document of Ur-Urra [...] axes, [...] sickles; 3 shekels of silver: document of Lugalitida, forman 12 swickles: document of Agu [..] hoes: [...] sickles: document of Lugal - hegal 12 sickles, 80 silas of ritual flour, document of Ur-Nintu 60 hoes; 10 sickles: document of Irmu, animal - flattener 13 hoes, 65 sickles: document of Sangani 12 sickles. 12 minas: document of Lugal - igihush 10 sickles document of A'akalla foreman 17 sickles, 12 minas: document of Shara - amu, foreman 38 sickles: document of Bashaga 1 sheep for the butler, 1 axe, 1 1/2 minas; 120 sickles, 12 minas; document of Ikalla 1 axe, 2 minas; 3 hoes, 2/3 of a mina: document of Ur- Mes, brewer 33 sickles: document of Lu-balasig, potter 4 sickles: document of Dagu 2 sickles: document of Ur- Sin 60 sickles document of Ur- dingiregal 1 talent of copper: document of Ur - Numushda 1/3 of a mina of [...]: document of [...] 5[.....]: document of Lu- [.....], chamberlain 6 sickles: document of Ur - Geshtinanaka, chamberlain 60 hoes; 180 sickles document of Ur-Amma, ..... 5 sickles: document of Ur - Amma, son of Nadi 3 sickles: document of Lugal - kuzu, his assistant 60 hoes; 60 sickles: document of Ur-gigir, butler 1 axe, 11/2 minas: document of Ur-Amma, builder 60 sickles: document of Ur - Ba[ba] 3 [...] document of A [...], animal-fattener 2 sickles: document of Lugal - azida, his brother (gap of about 6 lines) 1 [...]: document of U[r - ...], son of [...] 29 1/3 minas of [copper]; 1/3 mina of [tin/lead], 10 sickles: document of Ur- [.....] singer 21 [...]: document of [...] 9 [...]; document of Shara - [....] 4 [...]: document of Lugal - azida, assistant 2 sickles: document of Ur- Shara, son of Shehskalla [...] sickles; [...] + 20 hoes: document of Bidugga 1 axe; 2 hoes: document of Nabsha, builder (gap of about 15 lines) [...]; 2 axes: document of Lushaga 2 hoes; 6 sickles; 1/2 shekel of silver: document of Shara - amu, officer 1 hoes; 2 sickels; 1/2 shekel of silver: document of Ur- Dingiregal 1 axe [85 sickles]; 2 gur of [barley] flour; 4 gur 180 sila of [....]; 1[...]; 22 minas of [copper]: document of Sheshkalla, son of [....] [....] minas of copper: document of Lugal - E'igizumahe, son of [...] 1 axe: 1 gur of barley flour: document of Lu - Shara, son [...] 1 sickle; 1/2 shekel of silver: document of Magurre 10 [...] [...] (gap of about 15 lines) [...]: document of Ur - Emash, ..... 10 sickles; 2 shekels of silver: document of Ur - Alama 11 (?) [...] (gap of about 2 lines) [...]1 axe: document of Sharakam 60 sickles: document of Ku - Shara 10 sickles; [...] hoes; [...] axes: 3 shekels of silver: document of Sheshklala, son of [...] -... 10 [.....]; document of [...] 1[...]: document of B[idugga] 3 [.....]; document of L[u - ...] 1 [......]; document of [....] (3 lines missing) 1 graver, 1/2 a mina: document of Sheshkalla, barber 3 sickles: document of Adu, son of L[u-dugg]a 8 [...]; 2 gur of barley: document of Ur- [...] 3 sheep; 2 goats; 1 talent of copper, 1 axe; 2 sickles: document of Lugal - gude, overseer of cattle 9 sickles, document of Lu - sig.... 2 shekels of silver; 10 shekels of tin/lead; 6 shekels of copper: document of Bazige, carpenter 2 gur of barley; 1 mina of bronze: 1 1/2 minas of copper: document of Asog. carpenter 18 shekels of bronze; 1/2 mina of copper: document of Lugal - mu'i mu'izu, carpenter 1 sickle document of Ur- [....] 1 sheep; 20 minas of ......:1 1/3 minas of copper, 120 sila of barley: document of Nabasa 18 goats: document of Kugani, his brother 4 sickles; 2 gur of barley flour; 1 sheep: document of Shakuge, gudu - priest 3 sickles: document of Ur - Shulpa'e, administrator 2 sickles: document of Ur- Asalluhe, foreman of the hired men 2 hoes; 1 sickle document of Ur - Ninmugga 1 mina of copper: document of Lugal - kuzu, son of Zanzani 1 hoe: document of Lugal - nilagare, brewer 1 sheep: document of Ur- Halmudu 2 sickles: document of Lugal - nilagare, .. 1 1/2 shekels of silver: document of the .....s of Lagash 1 gur, 220 sila of goats: document of Lu - zumu 15 minas of copper, document of Gilzan, smith 20 minas of copper: document of Sheshani, smith 1 goldsmith's ..... 8 minas; 10 minas of copper: document of Lugalemah, smith Continuing check Month: placing the bricks in the mould Year: after the magnificent stele was erected. First, the numerical system used allows the simple numerals such as 1, 2 etc to be either 1, 2 or 60, 120 and I in the lack of any summing up of figures of this type, there is often uncertainty, and our choice of 1 or 60 is always open to reconsideration. Secondly, the professions of the men named as on the documents suggest recipients of tools rather than makers of them in most cases, but not in the case of the smiths. These two points illustrate the amount of work and study needed to gain all the information contained in this text. It is a mine of information, but in need of deep research.' 1.3 kg, 17 x 17cm (6 3/4 x 6 3/4"). Ex central London gallery; acquired 2000 from a UK dealer; acquired by them from an Oxford academic, catalogue number c/1178; examined by the late Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s; and accompanied by an original typed and signed three page scholarly note and translation by the Professor; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10165-166487. Very fine condition, repaired.
2nd-1st millennium BC. A bronze figure of a standing Bactrian camel, the animal's second hump formed as a narrow tube with flat rim; detailing to head, face, mane, tail and elbows; hollow body; integral rectangular base; possibly a kohl pot or sceptre stand. 293 grams, 10.5cm (4"). From an important London W1, gallery; previously acquired 1980s. Fine condition.
6th-4th century BC. A sheet-silver phiale mesomphalos with broad everted rim, carinated body, two circumferential raised ribs to the outer face, applied central boss formed with domed omphalos encircled by stylised petals between a plain border; convex outer base. See Godard, F., The Art of Iran, London, 1965, for discussion. 243 grams, 15.9cm (6 1/4"). Property of a central London gentleman; acquired Christie's, London, 25 October 2007, lot 113; formerly in a private collection acquired 1960s; accompanied by the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. Phiale Mesamphalos (literally: bowl with central boss) were the most popular form of vessel and were produced in a number of materials, including clay, bronze, silver and gold. They are a distinctive type of Achaemenid tableware, made by hammering or raising sheet metal, with decoration added in repoussé. They were used in banquets held by the nobility and for pouring libations at religious festivals. Phiales of this kind were a common gift from the Achaemenid king to the nobility which helped cement alliances among the different ethnic groups of the Empire. The central boss to the underside allowed the user to secure their fingers and ensure a solid grip whilst drinking or pouring. Fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
5th-4th century BC. A bronze bowl with lotiform underside comprising radiating flanges to the body and base, broad flared rim; omphalos to the internal base. 145 grams, 12.2cm (4 3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; formerly with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired before 1972. Fine condition.
3rd century AD. A group of four lead votive trapezoidal and square plaques showing scenes of Danubian cult: on one plaque the god Sol and the goddess Luna are depicted respectively on the left and the right side of the upper part, on another plaque the sun is facing represented driving the sun-chariot with four-horse (quadriga); at the centre or upper section of all plaques facing Helen of Sparta, the divine daughter of Leda and Zeus, welcoming her divine brothers, the twins Castor and Pollux, both personifying the Danubian rider, followed in three cases by an armed Roman legionary; on one plaque the left cavalryman is advancing, holding the draco standard of the Roman legions; vegetation and animal symbols representing the offerings to the gods and scenes of sacrifice on the fields; the eagle of Zeus at the top of one plaque; architectural elements on the background of all plaques. See Tudor, D., Corpus Monumentorum Religionis Equitum Danuviorum, 2 vols., Leiden 1969-1976; V. Vasilev, 'Two Lead Plaques with a Depiction of a Danubian Horseman from the Collection of the National Museum of the History of the Ukraine' in Ancient Civilizations from Scythia to Siberia 10,1-2, 2004, pp.67-76; Beutler F., Farka C., Gugl C., Humer F., Kremer, G. and Pollhammer, E.(ed.), Der Adler Roms, Carnuntum und die Armee der Caesaren, Bad Voslau, 2017, cat.67, for a similar plaque in bronze. 822 grams total, 9.1-12.3cm (3 1/2 - 5"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); one acquired from Dr. Bron Lipkin, Collector Antiquities, London, UK, in 2009; accompanied by the original invoice. The plaques contain a complex iconography of divine figures and symbols, probably to be associated with Thracian or Dacian beliefs of the Lower Danube region, but also with the Greek Myth of the divine twins Castor and Pollux (the Dioskouroi), an important element of the Roman religion too. Presiding over the whole scene is usually the Sol Invictus (the unconquered sun-god) and his sister the Moon (Selene"). His cult originated in the Near East and gained increasing influence under imperial patronage during the third century AD. The state worship of Sol (Greek Elios) was slowly substituted by Constantine's favour towards Christianity since AD 312. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils. [4] Fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A bronze figure standing upright on a rectangular base wearing a close-fitting helmet, tight wrap-over shirt with cap sleeves, raised waistband and kilt with fringed hem below; left arm straight with hole in the fist, right arm raised and slightly bent with fist clenched; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See Aruz, J., Art of the First Cities. The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, New York, 2003. 226 grams, 14cm including stand (5 1/2"). Property of a London collector; from her family's private collection; formerly with a London gallery; acquired in the 1990s. Very fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A cast bronze tubular macehead with flared rims to both socket mouths, raised collars to the neck and shaft, and a drum-shaped section featuring a raised tessellating lonzengiform motif; mounted on a custom-made stand. 466 grams total, 17cm including stand (6 3/4"). From a private collection of arms and armour; previously with a London gallery. Very fine condition.
3rd-2nd millennium BC. A substantial polished alabaster pillar idol of waisted cylindrical form with shallow transverse slot to each flat face. Cf. Pottier, M. H., Matériel funéraire de la Bactriane méridonale de L' Age du Bronze, Mémoire, Editions Recherche sur les Civilisations, 36, p.16, pl.V, nos.34-5, for two similar lingams called 'masses d'arme', and p.43, pl.XXXV, nos.292-3, for similar yoni; also, Schmidt, E. F., Tepe Hissar Excavations, 1931; The Museum Journal, XXIII, no.4, 1933, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, pl.CXXXVI. 7.4 kg, 32cm (12 1/2"). Property of a London gentleman; formerly with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired before 1972. Fine condition.
5th-4th century BC. A bronze appliqué of Papposilenus in the form of a facing mask, two ram horns over his abundant hair, long pointed ears, well curated beard, eyes and mouth open for fastening; probably an item of furniture for bronze and wooden doors. See Hedreen, G., 'Myths of Ritual in Athenian Vase-Paintings of Silens', in: The Origins of Theater in Ancient Greece and Beyond: From Ritual to Drama, Cambridge University Press, 2007, p. 151; parallels with terracotta masks of Sylenus from Taranto, as displayed in Trieste, Museo Civico di Antichita' (1873-1910"). 72 grams total, 90mm including stand (3 1/2"). Previously in a private German collection, between 2015-2016; formerly in the collection of S. K., since 1986. ???????, Sil?nós, or Seileno (in ancient Greek: ????????, Seil?nós), is a character from Greek mythology and corresponds to the old rustic god of wine making and drunkenness prior to Dionysus, of which is the main retainer. Papposilenus is a representation of Silenus that emphasises his old age, particularly as a stock character in satyr play or comedy. Fair condition, repaired.
3rd century AD. A group of four lead votive trapezoidal, round and square plaques showing scenes of Danubian cult: on all the plaques the god Sol and the goddess Luna are depicted respectively on the right and the left side of the upper part, sometimes in profile sometimes facing; at the centre of all plaques facing Helen of Sparta, the divine daughter of Leda and Zeus, welcoming her divine brothers, the twins Castor and Pollux, both personifying the Danubian rider; on three plaques the left cavalryman is advancing, holding the draco standard of the Roman legions; two plaques with a cockerel, the sacred animal of the sun, foliage and animal symbols representing the offerings to the gods; the eagle of Zeus at the top of three plaques; architectural elements on the background of all plaques. See Vasilev, V., 'Two Lead Plaques with a Depiction of a Danubian Horseman from the Collection of the National Museum of the History of the Ukraine' in Ancient Civilizations from Scythia to Siberia 10,1-2, 2004, pp.67-76; Beutler, F., Farka C., Gugl C., Humer F., Kremer, G. and Pollhammer, E.(ed.), Der Adler Roms, Carnuntum und die Armee der Caesaren, Bad Voslau, 2017, cat.67, for a similar plaque in bronze. 301 grams total, 71-86mm (2 3/4 - 3 1/2"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); two acquired from A. G. & S. Gillis, Barnsley, UK, in 2001; accompanied by a copy of the original invoice. The plaques contain a complex iconography of divine figures and symbols, probably to be associated with Thracian or Dacian beliefs of the Lower Danube region, but also with the Greek Myth of the divine twins Castor and Pollux (the Dioskouroi), an important element of the Roman religion too. Presiding over the whole scene is usually the Sol Invictus (the unconquered sun-god) and his sister the Moon (Selene"). His cult originated in the Near East and gained increasing influence under imperial patronage during the third century AD. The state worship of Sol (Greek Elios) was slowly substituted by Constantine's favour towards Christianity since AD 312. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils. [4] Fine condition.
12th-14th century AD. A hemispherical bronze bowl with chamfered rim, outer face with a band of low-relief foliage between two bands of Kufic text, inner face with band of running hares between two bands of Kufic text and central interlace panel. 5.5 kg, 47cm (18 1/2"). Property of a Middlesex collector; acquired on the London art market before 2000; formerly in an old English collection. Fine condition.
10th-11th century AD. A sheet bronze appliqué formed as a lacertine panel with four canines, probably wolves enmeshed, the three remaining profile heads and forelegs extending beyond the quatrefoil border, reserved on a pounced field; the eyes pierced for attachment. 3.25 grams, 49mm (2"). Ex central London gallery; acquired on the UK art market. Fine condition. Extremely rare.
12th-14th century AD and earlier. A medieval bronze octagonal cup-shaped seal or ring bezel set with an ancient Roman glass intaglio of a rabbit; attachment points for the hoop of a finger ring; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 1.1 grams, 11mm (1/2"). From a private Mayfair, London, UK, collection, in the 1970s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A model four-wheeled cart of sheet bronze with scooped profile, internal frame and floor, sheet bronze wheels, bronze Y-shaped pole and transverse yoke; two moulded bronze oxen with prominent horns, impressed facial details, tapering tail. Illustrated and described in: M.A. Littauer & J.H. Crouwel, Early Metal Models of Wagons from the Levant, vol.5 X, p.105, pl.XXXVI, 1973. 1.23 kg total, cart: 34cm long, 15cm high, bulls: 13.5-14.5cm long, 9cm high (cart: 13 1/2 long, 6 high, bulls: 5 1/4 - 5 3/4 long, 3 1/2 high"). Previously in a private London, UK, collection; acquired in 1971 by Safani Gallery; accompanied by a copy of Art Loss Register certificate number S00077065; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10154-167539. Fine condition, some parts of the chassis restored, the modern pieces produced in June 1971 by McIntyre of the British Museum. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
5th-4th century BC. A pair of full length bronze greaves with pronounced anatomical details for knees and ankles, embossed knee-cap with well-defined muscles to the calf; a shallow double border with holes along the perimeter for fastening the inner lining; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See Connolly, P., Greece and Rome at war, London, 1981; Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 1, London, 2002; Spatafora, F., 'Vincitori e vinti: sulla deposizione di armi e armature nella Sicilia di età arcaica', in Guerra e pace in Sicilia e nel Mediterraneo antico (VIII-III sec a.C."). Arte, prassi e teoria della pace e della guerra, I, Pisa 2006, 215-226; Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004; D’Amato-Salimbeti, Bronze Age Greek Warrior, 1600-1100 BC, Oxford, 2011; see similar greaves from the Guttmann Collection, Christie's, auction, 6, November 2002, lots 80/4; other examples in the Axel Guttmann Collection: AG 008/R 2; AG 177/R 153; AG 268/R 57; AG 333c/R 82; AG 622/R 152; a further similar example in Cahn, D., Waffen und Zaumzeug, Basel, 1989, p. 62. 2.5 kg total, 47-48.5cm including stand (18 1/2 - 19"). Previously with an important London, Mayfair, gallery; formerly in a private German collection; acquired in the 1970s, thence by descent; accompanied by an archaeological report by military specialist Dr. Raffaele D’Amato; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10196-167377. Greaves were used as protective equipment from as early as in the time of Homer (Iliad, X, 8, 613), with archaeological finds from earlier and contemporary Achaean warrior graves (D’Amato-Salimbeti, 2011, pp.36-38"). They continued to be used in Greece during the Geometric and Archaic periods, attested at least from the 7th century BC, where they became an important part of hoplite armour. The primary purpose was to protect the tibia from attack: a successful attack on the shin would result the leg being rendered useless, significantly hampering one’s ability to maneuver, a great danger for a man fighting in a phalanx. This type of greave was pulled open and clipped on to the leg, but they were often strapped to the leg in Italy, and all of them were lined with leather or fabric (Connolly, 1981, pp.59-60"). [2] Fine condition, some restoration. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 BC. A group of two eye inlays from a mummy case, each formed as a white glass panel with raised black glass pupil fitted into a bronze frame with separate bronze eyebrow bar; mounted in a custom-made stand. See Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.69, for discussion. 176 grams total, 15cm including stand (6"). Acquired from Lennox Gallery Ltd, London, UK, in January 2001. Fine condition.
7th-5th century BC. An archaic bronze figure formed as a 'leaping' horse standing on a base pierced for attachment; the animal's ears are pricked forwards, its mane and tail cropped and mouth open, with prominent 'round' hips; wearing a decorative harness at the chest. Cf. National Sporting Library and Museum, Greek Statuette of a Horse, ca. 750-600 BCE, for an equine figure with comparable features. 70 grams (56mm (2 1/5)"). From a private London, UK, gallery; acquired in 2014; previously in a private German collection, since the 1980s. Very fine condition.
Warring States Period, 475-221 BC. A squat bronze ding vessel with three rounded legs, median ridge, two rectangular loop handles, domed lid with three knops. Cf. Song, L., Chinese Bronze Ware, Cambridge, 2011, p.33, for type. 1.7 kg, 20.5cm (8"). From the collection of an American lady living in London; acquired before 2000. Fine condition.
1st century BC-1st century AD. A hollow-formed bronze finial, square in plan with flange rim and iron attachment pin; the upper face with high-relief bust of a satyr (Pan?) with incised lentoid eyes, tousled hair, goats' ears and four short horns. 352 grams, 83mm (3 1/4"). From a private UK collection, acquired in 2010; formerly in a private Rosenheim, Germany collection, since the 1960s. Very fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A bronze hanging lamp holder comprising a large openwork central disc fitted with six circular sockets for the stems of glass lamps, three integral loops to the inner rim from which hooks are suspended, large single suspension hook above; inscribed dedication to the inner rim in Greek '+ ??? ????? ???? ?? ??????? ????? ???????+', translating to: 'I, Elias, for the interior of Saint Romanus'; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See Bailey, D.M., A catalogue of the lamps in the British Museum, IV, Lamps of metal and stone, and lampstands, London, 1996; Wamser L. and Zahlhaas, G., Rom und Byzanz, Archaologischen Kostbarkeiten aus Bayern, München, 1999. 1.3 kg total, 42cm including stand (16 1/2"). Ex North London gentleman; formerly from an important Mayfair collection; accompanied by an archaeological report by Dr. Raffaele D’Amato. Fine condition.
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 BC. A bronze vessel with tapering body, conical underside, remains of two loops to the rim; band of reserved decoration to the neck including reed boats above a frieze of gods with Min facing a papyrus stalk, behind him standing figures of the goddesses Isis and Hathor with another standing figure; lotus flower detailing to the base. 80 grams, 76mm (3"). Property of a Middlesex collection; formerly in a 19th century French collection. [No Reserve] Fine condition, lugs absent.
9th century AD. A bronze trefoil brooch comprising: three radiating flat lobes each with a facing mask of annular eyes, D-shaped headdress and a lentoid mouth with beard, all within a beaded frame; three interstitial radiating raised D-shaped lobes each with a smaller similar face; central disc with segmented rim, three kidney-shaped motifs surrounding a triangle with spiral decoration; pin lugs to the reverse and two pierced lugs for attachment of necklace swags. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.75, items 1-6. 40 grams, 65mm (2 1/2"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10217-166951. The brooch is an unusually fine example of the type with intriguing masks executed in a very flat style, unlike most examples from e.g. Birka where the ornament is in high-relief and somewhat coarser in execution. The meaning of the masks is at present unknown, but suggestions include figures from mythology (e.g. the god Óðinn) or legend (e.g. Bödvar Bjarki the bear-warrior"). Extremely fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
1st century BC- 1st century AD. A bronze hanging lamp with handle and ornament most likely moulded and added after casting; ornamented handle in the shape of a bevelled crescent with a small globule at each end; large ring behind, globular body with rounded plain rim, large plain-lipped filling-hole, lid missing, round-tipped nozzle, flat nozzle top with bevelled sides, raised base forming solid circular foot, four suspension chains united by a cross-shaped hook, fixed on the sides of the lamp. See Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017. 135 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); acquired from Brigantia, York, UK, in 2007; accompanied by the original invoice and certificate of authenticity. Just as the dates of bronze lamps are marked by uncertainty, so often is the place of production. It can be assumed that Early Imperial lamps were mostly produced in Italy, as were the lamps from the second to fourth century A.D. The Late Roman products, on the other hand, seem to derive primarily from the eastern Mediterranean. The types of the first and second centuries spread rapidly to other parts of the empire, as confirmed by general parallels found and by the geographical places of manufacture or origin (primarily Asia Minor"). Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils. Fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A dagger composed of a short two-edged blade with tip including fragments of its iron scabbard, a broad bronze disc guard with lip to the underside, an iron tang with traces of mineralised wood, knop pommel. See Bishop, M.C. & Coulston, J.C.N., Roman Military Equipment From the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome, London, 1993, for discussion; Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, s. cat. A318,A319, pp.75-76, for similar guard. 506 grams, 35cm (13 3/4"). From a private London, UK, gallery; acquired in 2014; previously in a private German collection, since the 1980s. The outsized disc guard would be impractical to be worn at the waist. These kinds of dagger (daga) were probably intended as gladiatorial combat weapons offering additional protection to the hand during the fight. Fair condition.
6th century AD. A gilt bronze finial from a cruciform brooch comprising a stylised facing mask with raised 'bug' eyes, the beard parted at the chin and curled to form birds' heads in profile. Cf. West, S., A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998, fig.152(7"). 10.7 grams, 29mm (1"). Found while searching with a metal detector in Nethergate parish, Saxlingham, near Norwich, Norfolk, UK; in the 1980s; accompanied by an old Norwich Castle Museum envelope with reference numbers A.H.9 and 14319. Very fine condition.
2nd-6th century AD. A glazed wooden display case with display of nine bronze horse harness mounts. See Flinders-Petrie, W.F., Objects of daily use, London, 1927; Bishop, M. C., Coulston, J.C.N., Roman military equipment, from the Punic wars to the fall of Rome, London, 2006; Radman Livaja, I., Militaria Sisciensia, Finds of the Roman military equipment in Sisak in the holdings of the archaeological Museum in Zagreb, Zagreb, 2004; Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007; Appels A., Laycock S., Roman buckles and military fittings, Witham, 2007. 1.2 kg total, 30 x 21cm (11 3/4 x 8 1/4"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); acquired on the UK art market from 1960-2000.A superb collection of military horse harness mounts ranging through a wide period of the classical and late Roman military equipment: the group is composed of two magnificent 3rd century bridle cheek pieces, with various kidney and pelta-shaped cut-outs; a 3rd century openwork bridle fastener; a 2nd-3rd century openwork phalera, five harness junction elements (bronze belt hooks) of 4th-6th century AD (Flinders-Petrie, 1927, pl.XVIII, no.11). Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils. [9] Very fine condition.
10th-8th century BC. A bronze cylinder seal, accompanied by a museum-quality impression and an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'The top part of this object is a double-head of a Pazuzu demon with loop on top. Below is the seal. The sides show a standing figure in long robe raising one hand. Before him is a sacred tree below a rhomb. In front of the tree is a recumbent animal with huge horns done in dots, and before the animal a crescent on a stand below a star. The base shows a winged solar disc. This seal comes from eastern Anatolia and dates to c. 900-700 BC. It is an interesting piece and in very good condition for bronze.' 10.2 grams, 37mm (1 3/4"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; item number 2032; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s; accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. Fine condition.
3rd-2nd millennium BC. A bifacial lead discoid ceremonial pendant or weight with a bull's head at the centre; sub-rectangular handle above; series of eight pairs of lines decorating the width of the disc; the bull's head with wide raised eyes, long ears below tall horns and detail to the muzzle; on the reverse are eight pairs of lateral lines; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Pottier, M. H., Matérial Funéraire de la Bactriane Méridoniale de l'Âge de Bronze, Paris, 1984, pp.99, 175, 217, for other examples of lead-handled weights with openwork designs. 13 kg total, 42.5cm including stand (16 3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; formerly with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired in the 1950s; accompanied by an old collector's cataloguing sheet and photograph; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10164-166840. Among the most iconic Intercultural Style objects are the so-called lock weights. These were probably not weights but badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Fragments of similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, as well as the Indus Valley. The bull was a popular and sacred animal in both Mesopotamia and the Indus civilisation. In Mesopotamia it was often associated with storm gods, such as Ball. In the Indus region it appears on seals and is often associated with a horned deity that has been identified as a proto-Shiva type figure. Fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
Late 3rd millennium BC. A bronze discoid stamp seal with loop handle; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronzer 54 x 54 x 17 mm. this is round with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle with flat top and hole near the base. The design, which consists of raised lines within an outer rim, shows a standing Bactrian camel with long rope-like thing hanging from its mouth, and three circles filling spaces. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a large seal, the metal of which has been conserved. The design is a rare one and the seal is generally in good condition save for some denting of the outer rim and some recent scouring.' 64 grams, 55mm (2 1/4"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; item number T-170; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Fine condition, usage wear.
10th-12th century AD. A bronze firesteel with iron striking blade, applied handle with lateral beast-heads, central owl figure with wings spread. 70 grams, 10.4cm (4"). From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s; previously acquired before 1960. Fine condition.
1st century AD. A bronze left hand from a statue, with full open palm, the fingers carefully detailed, wonderful rendering of nails and finger joints, complete and preserved with a substantial part of the wrist. See Boucher, S. & Tassinari, S., Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine à Lyon: Bronzes Antiques. Tome 1 Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle, Lyon, 1976, drawings for similar specimens on p.86; Pesando F. & Guidobaldi M.P., Gli ozi di Ercole: residenze di lusso a Pompei ed Ercolano, Roma, 2006. 214 grams, 10cm (4"). From a private collection formed in the Netherlands; previously in a European collection formed prior to 1980. The position of the open hand recalls the famous statue of the dancing Satyr of Pompeii, although this statue has two bent fingers, while in our hand all the fingers are extended: the quality of the sculpture and the refinement of the details place this artwork at the highest point of Roman imperial art in the second half of 1st century AD. Very fine condition.
4th century BC. A group of three bronze animal heads comprising: two profile canine heads each with openwork gaping mouth, pricked ear, raised annular eye; a bovine head formed as a finial with mounting flanges and transverse rivet; each mounted on a custom-made stand. 289 grams total, 66-74mm including stand (2 1/2 - 3"). Previously in the collection of a respected gentleman, his collection assembled 1965-2018. [3] Fine condition.
17th century AD. A substantial bronze Buddha figure standing barefooted and wearing a long robe; hair dressed in tight curls and wrapped around ushnisha, lentoid eyes, broad nose, full lips, elongated earlobes, ornamentation worn at the neck, both hands forming mudras; integral round-section lug below, forming an arc between the feet. See Lutz, A. et al., The Return of the Buddha. The Qingzhou Discoveries, London, 2002, for discussion. 5.5kg, 46cm (18 1/4"). Acquired for the ‘Buckingham Collection’ by the late Nik Douglas (1944-2012), renowned author, curator and Asian art expert; the collection formed from the early 1960s to early 1970s. In Thailand statues of the Buddha can be found in a variety of poses, with those standing being particularly popular. The position of the hands relate to various episodes in the life of the Buddha and help the devotee in their mindful practice. Fine condition.
15th century AD. A large bronze circular seal matrix: incuse and reverse armorial bearings of Antoine of Burgundy; central design comprising a bird, possibly an owl, standing on a helmet on a heraldic shield, flanked by rearing winged griffins among other banners, all encircled within a border; legend inscription in blackletter script reading 'S' anthoine bastart de bourgomgue conte de la nothe'(?), punctuated by small crosses or lis motifs and enclosed by circular border; integral raised rib and 'lug' through diameter on reverse; supplied with an impression. 55 grams, 52mm (2"). Property of an Essex collector; acquired by purchase Didcot, 1996; accompanied by report 714 by the Academy of Saint Gabriel, and file of associated information. The seal was probably part of the spoils of the Burgundian wars in 1476/1477. Antoine of Burgundy, also known to his contemporaries as 'the Large Bastard' was born in 1421 to Philip III, Duke of Burgundy, and one of his mistresses, Jeanne de Presle. Antoine died in 1504. He bore at least two of his father's arms, sometimes adding a 'bendlet sinister argent overall' or by displaying his father's arms upon a broad bend, as in the case of his seal matrix. Very fine condition.
12th-8th century BC. A high tin content bronze jeweller's anvil comprising a rectangular body, 41mm in height, 40mm in width and 25mm in thickness; the top edge of the anvil is bevelled, with a longitudinal ridge in the centre and with two working faces sloping downwards; when viewed from the side, the body of the anvil is pentagonal in shape; there is a sub rectangular projection extending from the base of the body for sinking into a wooden block approximately 51mm long and 9mm thick; this projection is sub-ovoid in cross section and tapers both in width and in thickness towards the tip with projecting side flanges to provide a key, also tapered. Similar to another anvil, also found in Essex, recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme with reference number ESS-3965F0. 353 grams, 92.93mm (3 5/8"). Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Shalford, Essex, on 13 September 2020, and recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under report number [TBC]. Gold working in the Bronze Age British Isles produced ornaments and other items between circa 2500 and 800 BC. In this period, communities in Britain first learned how to work metal, leading to the widespread creation of gold, copper and bronze items; gold artefacts were especially prestigious items used to show the high status of those individuals who wore, or were buried with them. Very fine condition. An excessively rare, museum-quality example.
12th century AD. A large cylindrical cast bronze mortar with everted rim and collar at foot; pierced and convex base; the body decorated with two rows of floriated Kufic calligraphy; sticker reading '700' on inner face. 5.7 kg, 19.5cm (7 3/4"). From the private collection of a London gentleman; acquired on the London art market; previously in the private collection of the late Oliver Hoare (1945-2018); Oliver Reginald Hoare, Princess Diana's art dealer, described as arguably the most influential dealer in the Islamic art world. Fair condition.
Saite Period, 664-525 BC. A bronze lioness-headed figure of Wadjet seated on a square-section throne, wearing tripartite wig surmounted by Atef crown consisting of ostrich feathers, horned sun disk and fronted by rearing uraeus; her clenched hands resting on the knees with ankle-length kilt, feet on a square footrest, throne with lateral panels of low-relief scale pattern with incised hieroglyphs representing the Union of the Two Lands; mounted on a custom-made wooden stand. Cf. similar figure in the British Museum (accession number 1992,1110.1) with less elaborate headdress than here. 2 kg total, 33cm including stand (13"). Ex V.G.F. collection, Shelby Township, Michigan; acquired from Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, USA, in 1986; previously with Christie's, London, 13 July 1983, lot 468; formerly in a European private collection, prior to 1983; on loan to Ohio State University, Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University, and Fitchbury Art Museum, between 1986-2015; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10119-167436. Wadjet 'the green one' was known to the Greeks as 'Uto'. She was originally the tutelary goddess of the city of Dep which eventually became part of the conurbation called Per-Wadjet (House of Wadjet"). Wadjet was considered the matron and protector of Lower Egypt, and later the joint protector and patron of all Egypt. Very fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]
2nd-3rd century AD. A bronze discoid pendant with ribbed tubular suspension loop and openwork design comprising an eagle standing, head left, wings spread, a military standard comprising a tier of three discs to the left, feathers, talons and ground-line given in detail. 6.74 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). From a private Buckinghamshire, UK, collection; acquired in the 1990s. Fine condition.
1st century AD. A bronze merchant's stamp with rectangular face bearing engraved inscription in two lines: 'T.FVRI / CELSI.'; integral loop on the reverse with oval face engraved with an anchor. Similar specimen in Metropolitan Museum, accession number 30.11.2. 63.7 grams, 54mm (2"). From a private German collection, pre 2000. This stamp was presumably a property of a rich landlord and likely served as the official seal of his household used to mark provisions. Fine condition.
2nd century BC. A marble statue head of a nymph, nereid or goddess (Aura), the head is slightly turned towards the right and is supported by a robust neck; the facial features are delicate with dignified expression; the cheeks broad and solid, jaw and chin appear quite square but are softened by the presence of depressions around the mouth, heavy eyelids enclose narrow, elongated eyes; the curly hair combed backwards to a small bun, a laurel wreath resting on the curls; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Scrinari, V.S.M., Sculture Romane di Aquileia, Roma,1972; similar portraits can be found in Aquileia (Scrinari, 1972, cat. 135, p.48); Charbonneaux J., Martin R., Villard F., Hellenistic Art, 330-50 BC, London, 1973; Petrakos, B., National Museum, sculpture-bronze-vases, Athens, 1991; La Rocca, E., Parisi Presicce C., Lo Monaco A., I giorni di Roma l’eta’ della conquista, Milano, 2010; some similarities with the head of Muse from the Temple of Apollo Sosianus, Rome (La Rocca, Parisi Presicce, Lo Monaco, 2010, cat.I.21"). 7.3 kg, 31.5cm including stand (12 1/2"). Previously in the private collection of Leon Rodriguez-Ely (1924-1973), Marseille, France; acquired in the 1950's; imported with French cultural passport number 163436; accompanied by a copy of Art Loss Register certificate number S00146517 and by an archaeological report by Dr. Raffaele D'Amato; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10122-167567. The beautiful portrait represents an idealised type, executed with great refinement on smooth and compact flat surfaces contrasting with strongly coloured and chiaroscuro elements. Style and taste are typical of Alexandrian Hellenism; the piece could be an export brought into the Roman world, at the time of the conquest of the Mediterranean. The reference to the Alexandrian types helps to identify the represented subject as probably a muse or nereid, if not the Goddess Aura. Fine condition.
9th-12th century AD. A bronze tongue-shaped mount formed as a stylised standing human figure wearing a conical helmet; face with annulet eyes, long nose and thin mouth, arms held across torso; a triangular void suggests the legs and feet. 8.2 grams, 43mm (1 3/4"). From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s; previously acquired before 1960. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
10th-12th century AD. A gilt-bronze earring or pendant with hinged hoop, D-shaped body with champ-levé enamelled ornament, a standing bird to one face and a floral motif to the other. 10.6 grams, 34mm (1 1/4"). From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s; previously acquired before 1960. [No Reserve] Fine condition, usage wear.
6th-2nd century BC. A bronze mount of a profile beast, possibly a Cambodian tapir(?) with arched back and short, bent legs, long muzzle, ridge of bristles to the back; mounted on a custom-made stand. 74 grams total, 76mm (3"). Acquired from F.E. Nejad, Zurich, Switzerland, 6th November 1988. Fine condition.
31st-30th century BC. A bronze cylinder seal, drilled vertically for suspension; accompanied by a museum-quality impression and an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'The design consists of a frieze of four walking horned animals, one squeezed in a space hardly sufficient for it. There is a big cross above the back of one of these animals. This comes from Syria and dates to c. 3000 BC. It is in extremely good condition for ancient bronze.' 32.7 grams, 23mm (1"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; item number R-128; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s; accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. Fine condition.
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