We found 15483 price guide item(s) matching your search

A group of four 9ct gold rings. Comprising a garnet and opal half hoop ring, size O1/2; a synthetic spinel full eternity band with heart motif, size Q; an onyx intaglio signet ring, size I; and a 11mm depth bevelledgold band ring, size O1/2. Total gross approximate weight 17.52 grams.

A Blue Topaz and Diamond Intaglio Ringthe oval cut blue topaz carved to depict a Centurion in white claw settings, to a partial round brilliant cut diamond border and trifurcated shoulders, on a plain polished shank, total estimated diamond weight 1.10 carat approximately finger size NThe ring is in fair condition with some small chips/nibbles to the blue topaz. It is stamped '750' and in our opinion would test as gold. The blue topaz measures 24.00mm x 20.50mm, depth unobtainable. The approximate qualities of the diamonds are; colour H/I/J, clarity VS2/SI1/SI2. Gross weight 19.5 grams. CR made 27.01.25.

Group of jewellery to include a Victorian 9ct gold 'Connie' brooch, carnelian brooch, a pair of 9ct gold and citrine screw back earrings (hallmarked to posts), and a banded agate fob seal with carved intaglio. Seal measures 5.5cm.

A French silver and rock crystal desk seal - early 20th century, with Gothic script monogram 'JH', 10.3cm long; together with a glass, plated and brass desk seal, the seal head blank, 10cm long; an ebonised wood and brass seal, 7.5cm long; and a gilt metal and glass intaglio fob seal. (4)

A small group of cut glass drinking glasses - comprising a set of six Webb Corbett dessert wine or port glasses, 12.6cm high; and a set of three Edinburgh Crystal whisky tumblers, 8.5cm high (plus another similar); together with a set of six 1950s Baccarat-style ten-sided glass coasters with intaglio moulded cherub decoration, 7.6cm diameter; and a set of six shot glasses. (22)

9ct gold Hematite intaglio centurion signet ring, finger size "T.5". 9.2 grams

Chalcedony intaglio yellow metal signet ring, possibly Roman in later 19th century mount, the oval matrix, 11.5mm wide x 10mm high, depicting an eagle attacking a hare, the tapering narrow shank with indistinct single mark, size J, 1.9g gross approxFor "A Roman chalcedony intaglio-set gold ring, the intaglio depicting an eagle on a hare, c.1st-2nd century AD, 10mm high, in a later gold ring with closed-back setting", with somewhat similar matrix, see Woolley & Wallis, 15th July 2021, lot 1377.

Clive Simmonds - Intaglio Designs/Hereford Tiles - A set of five 6 inch dust pressed Danish Owl tiles, stylized birds in tonal ochre, green and blue over cream ground, moulded marks to reverse. (5)

An 19th century yellow metal intaglio carnelian seal fob, with oval engraved initialled shield, bow top and garland decoration, seal height approx 35mm x width approx 20mm, unmarked possibly 9ct gold, total gross weight approx 10gms, along with an antique style enamel and paste set white metal pendant, bow top with foliate stone set decoration, overlaid to a blue enamel ground, suspending a stone set drop, length approx 65mm, together with a silver hallmarked charm bracelet suspending eight charms including enamel version, and a white metal toothpick possibly silver (1 bag) Further details: wear and tear, some marks to seal metal and carnelian, wear and tear to all marks commensurate with age 

Early 2000sOf compressed globular form, signed and numbered 909-170. Height 6 1/2 inches, diameter 10 inches.appears to be in generally good condition; there is a short vertical linear scuff mark to the body, approximately 1 1/2 inches in length, located approximately at mid-height; there is a slightly longer linear mark to the body that has the appearance of a scratch mark, approximatley 2 1/2 inches long, also at mid-height, that may be natural to the wood itself (slightly intaglio); there are a few light scratch marks elsewhere, not of great consequenceappears to be in generally good condition; there is a short vertical linear scuff mark to the body, approximately 1 1/2 inches in length, located approximately at mid-height; there is a slightly longer linear mark to the body that has the appearance of a scratch mark, approximatley 2 1/2 inches long, also at mid-height, that may be natural to the wood itself (slightly intaglio); there are a few light scratch marks elsewhere, not of great consequenceAny condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.Request a condition report

A yellow metal signet ring set with a hardstone intaglio seal, 4.4g, size G/H

A 333 rose gold ring set with an agate intaglio seal depicting a warrior, 4.9g, size X

A yellow metal c1910 fob set with a carnelian intaglio seal 'per mare per terras' translating to 'by land by sea' which is the motto of a Scottish clan, 12.3g, 3.5cm

An 18ct gold signet ring set with a bloodstone intaglio seal, London 1919, 9.1g, size N

An 18ct gold signet ring set with a 19thC intaglio seal depicting a chariot and charioteer, 15.6g, size O

Bijouterie to include an intaglio hardstone set seal wheel, hallmarked silver mother of pearl fruit knife, hallmarked silver thistle fork, a 'Sterilex snake-bite lancet' case, miniature book, purse, Chinese compass, Mauchline ware glass case for Berwick and Crosthwaite Church book etc

* Piranesi (Giovanni Battista, 1720-1778). Four etchings from Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi, tripodi, lucerne, ed ornamenti antichi disegnati ed incisi dal Cav. Gio. Batt. Piranesi, 1778, four etchings on heavy cream laid paper, with margins: Vaso antico di Marmo di elegante intaglio di maniera Egizia, transportatio da Roma in Inghilterra d'ordine, e a spese del Sig. Riccardo Hayward; Vaso antico di marmo presso S. E. il Sigr. Genle Schouvaloff rappresentante i Fatti d'Ercole; Altro Candelabro antico de due posseduti dal Sigr. Tommaso Jenkins Pittore Inglese; Veduta im Prospettiva di um antico Vaso di marmo di gran mole, ritrovato l'anno 1770 (shorter margins), some minor closed marginal tears, plate size 67.5 x 42 cm (26.5 x 16.5 ins) sheet size 73.5 x 51.5 cm (28.9 x 20.2 ins) or similar QTY: (4)NOTE:Ficacci 734, 748, 808 and 780.

A Mats Jonasson glass intaglio sculpture of a heron amongst bulrushes, RX33179, etched mark, 19cm high, together with three Italian intaglio sculptures, of a diving seal, pair of dolphins, and a seal with pups. (4)

An Intaglio Seal, the carnelian carved with a bird and Respondez ViteUnmarked, in our opinion would test as gold. Gross weight 8.2 grams.

18K yellow gold ‘Reversed intaglio’ pendant of a dog's head Part of a demi-parure. So-called reverse intaglio of a coloured dog's head set on a plaque in rock crystal. Set in a tooled border. In good condition. Hallmarks: Dutch assay mark 750. L x W: 24 x 20 mm. Weight: 5.02 grams. First used around 1860, this technique consists of an intaglio cut from a cabochon-cut rock crystal and then meticulously coloured in, creating a trompe l'oeil effect. Both men and women wore this intaglio jewellery. For men, they were cufflinks, tie pins or shirt buttons with hunter motifs and for women, they were often nature-inspired scenes set in brooches or medallions.

14K brooch ‘REVERSED INTAGLIO’ brooch of a dog's head Part of a demi-parure. So-called reverse intaglio of a coloured dog's head set on a plaque of mother-of-pearl in rock crystal. Set with 10 cultivé pearls (approx. 2.6 - 3.7 mm) In good condition. Hallmarks: Dutch assay mark 585. LxW: 47 x 17 mm. Weight: 4.27 grams. First used around 1860, this technique consists of an intaglio cut out of a cabochon-cut rock crystal and then meticulously coloured in, creating a trompe l'oeil effect. Both men and women wore this intaglio jewellery. For men, they were cufflinks, tie pins or shirt buttons with hunter motifs and for women, they were often nature-inspired scenes set in brooches or medallions.

18K yellow gold 'reversed intaglio' pendant of a dog set in rock crystal Reverse intaglio of a coloured dog set on a mother-of-pearl plaque. Set with 4 rose-cut diamonds (Ø approx. 1.50 mm). In good condition, light signs of use. Hallmarks: Dutch assay mark 585. LxW: approx. 4 x 3.15 cm. Weight: 15.80 grams.Presumably England around 1880-1920. This technique was first used around 1860 and consists of an intaglio cut from a cabochon cut rock crystal and then meticulously coloured, creating a trompe l'oeil effect. Both men and women wore this intaglio jewelry. For men they were cufflinks, tie pins or shirt buttons with hunter's motifs and for women they were often nature-inspired scenes set in brooches or medallions.

Five Middle Eastern white metal rings, each with carved intaglio seal, the largest with Niello decoration and stamped '84', 6.7cm diameter. (5)

A 9ct gold and onyx Roman soldier intaglio ring. The 9ct yellow gold ring set with onyx carved with a Roman soldier intaglio to polished shank. Marked 9ct to inner shank. Size M. Weighs 3.7g. All weights, measurements and sizes are approximate.

A Georgian gold and citrine seal fob with Poseidon intaglio. The Georgian gold seal fob set with a faceted citrine, with an intaglio depicting the Greek god Poseidon to the base. Metal unmarked, surface tests indicate gold. Signed in Greek to the corner of the citrine intaglio. Measures 2.4cm x 3cm x 4cm. Weighs 25.0g. All weights, measurements and sizes are approximate.

A 19th-century carnelian seal fob with stag intaglio. The antique seal fob having a fox head decoration with scrolling, foliate engraved design to carnelian slice wax seal with carved stag intaglio. Unmarked. Measures 2.5cm x 2.3cm x 3.8cm. Weighs 19.1g. All weights, measurements and sizes are approximate.

Sato, I. (Japanese, fl. 1900-1925) JAPAN, Key Coin Bureau, Osaka, c. 1900, a bronze plaque by I. Sato, view of the Mint buildings from the bay, rev. intaglio pastoral scene with young trees, a fence and shrine in the background, central panel with legend in 10 lines relating to Guanchuan, edge impressed in Japanese characters [Made at the Japanese Mint], 85 x 54mm, 116.11g (cf. Ranieri 13, 117; cf. Stack’s Bowers Macau, Dec. 2014, 40267). Minor spotting in obverse field, otherwise extremely fine, rare £100-£150 --- Provenance: Bt Irene Allen. The opening of the new mint at Osaka took place on 4 April 1871 in celebrations led by the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanjo Sanetomi (1837-91). The decision to construct the facility and reform the coinage was originally taken in 1866, but after a plan to acquire equipment from France fell through, authorities purchased the entire Hong Kong mint from the British government and engaged those officials running it to establish the new facility at Osaka, a two-storey red brick building constructed by Irish architect and engineer Thomas James Waters (1843-98)

A yellow metal hardstone signet ring, with Masonic intaglio, the yellow metal shank stamped '9ct', ring size P 1/2, together with a 9ct gold band, size O 1/2, a 9ct gold sapphire ring, size O and a 9ct gold cameo ring, size K 1/2, total weight approx 9.1g (4)

A Hematite signet ring, with engraved intaglio depicting a Centurion, mounted to tapering yellow metal shank stamped to the exterior with Arabic letter, weight approx 8.6gCondition:Evidence of gold testing to the interior shank, other than this just general wear, refer to images

A Victorian Fob Seal having carved carnelian intaglio of pair of birds atop a plinth set in gold metal mount (tests as 9ct) featuring paired swans, 33 x 25mm, 17.4gms***AMENDMENT*** ALTERATION TO METAL DESCRIPTION

Treen - a Dutch speculaas biscuit or gingerbread mould, intaglio carved with 18th century figures, 44cm long; another, carved with windmill, animals, etc, 63cm long (2)

2nd-3rd century A.D. Fragment of iron hoop and bezel, inset carnelian cloison with intaglio scene of a putto restraining a barking dog. 2.49 grams, 22 mm (7/8 in.). [No Reserve] From the Fadel family collection, London, UK, 1970s.

3rd century A.D. An oval-shaped amuletic peridot gemstone intaglio with bevelled edge, engraved with facing figure of goddess Selene advancing left, wearing a peplos with billowing veil or shawl above, crescent at neck and to head, holding a torch; Greek inscription 'MY' and inversed 'MI' below; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.07 grams, 21 mm (7/8 in.). Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

1st millennium B.C. Conical in profile with pierced lug handle; intaglio figure of the 'Tree of Life' with lateral rampant ibexes. 26.4 grams, 39 mm (1 1/2 in.). From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1979-1999.

1st millennium B.C. Carved in the round crouching lion with head slightly turned, on a rectangular base; intaglio beast-tamer scene to underside with running human figure wielding a knife, leaping gazelle above a pouncing lion, objects in the field. 12.7 grams, 24 mm (1 in.). From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1979-1999.

3rd-5th century A.D. Plano-convex in section with intaglio facing bust of a male with centre-parted hair and forked beard, name of the owner in Pahlavi script to the border. 5.73 grams, 19 mm (3/4 in.). UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

5th-7th century A.D. and later. Ellipsoid lapis lazuli cloison with intaglio horse; set in a later stepped silver cell, D-shaped hoop with filigree to each outer edge; supplied with a museum-quality impression. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 485, for type. 7.32 grams, 28.62 mm overall, 19.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20) (1 1/8 in.). with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK.

Circa 1st century B.C. Ellipsoid carnelian cloison with central intaglio profile bearded bust, epigraphic Pahlavi legend to the rim. Cf. Gyselen, R., Catalogue des sceaux, camées et bulles sassanides I, no.10, for a later seal of similar type. 2.12 grams, 23 mm (7/8 in.). [No Reserve] From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s.

6th-7th century A.D. With integral discoid bezel displaying a male and female facing intaglio bust, Greek text below 'OMONOIA', (concord. agreement, harmony). Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 489, for type. 10.51 grams, 23.35 mm overall, 19.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20) (1 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]From the late Alison Barker collection, 1970-1990. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12531-231455.

15th-16th century A.D. Comprising three rings: one with a D-section hoop and intaglio image of a beast facing back; one with a D-section hoop and raised discoid bezel with a cross motif; one with a wide D-section hoop, discoid bezel with starburst motif. 15.7 grams total, 21-26 mm (3/4 - 1 in.). [3, No Reserve] Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

19th century A.D. Comprising: rectangular brown agate with profile bust, and impression from the same; ellipsoid sardonyx with intaglio Mercury standing; ellipsoid jasper with standing athlete; ellipsoid amethyst with profile bust. 5.9 grams total, 15-19 mm (5/8 - 3/4 in.). [4, No Reserve] From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s.

18th century A.D. and earlier. Comprising a decorative band formed as a wreath with a lentoid-shaped recess to each shoulder, raised oval bezel with punched decoration, set with a 2nd century A.D. dark blue intaglio with a standing goddess Fortuna holding a cornucopia. 14.55 grams, 30.65 mm overall, 18.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16) (1 1/4 in.). Ex private collection, 1970s. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

17th century A.D. With hexagonal-section shank, collar and round suspension loop; to the circular face an intaglio design of a three-masted warship under sail with pennants to mastheads and with gunports to side; one facet stamped 'H', old collector's inked reference '815'. 5.29 grams, 25.16 mm (1 in.). [No Reserve] Formerly in a significant private English collection of seal matrices formed since 1987. Ex Horton collection, UK. Property of a Californian, USA, collector.

20th century AD. Mainly discoid and ellipsoid cloisons with intaglio designs including mythical beast, profile bust and other types. 17 grams total, 9-21 mm (3/8 - 3/4 in.). [12, No Reserve] Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

20th century A.D. Mixed group of silver-coloured metal finger rings with inset agate and other cabochons, some with intaglio motifs, and a pendant. 49 grams total, 25-50 mm (1 - 2 in.). [4, No Reserve] Ex property of a South West London gentleman.

Circa 500 B.C. Square in section, sides tapering to the pierced apex; sequence of four intaglio figures: female on a hatched seat offering food to a goose; advancing female with hair in a single braid to the rear, holding a bowl and alabastron; male in knee-length tunic with lion-skin hood, holding an inverted spear; advancing female with hair in a single braid to the rear, holding a wreath and flower; rhyton to the underside. 9.8 grams, 25 mm (1 in.). Acquired 1970-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12540-231460.

17th century A.D. and earlier. Comprising a D-shaped hollow-form hoop with raised foliate decoration around the lozenge-shaped bezel set with a garnet, intaglio image of a running hare. 3.12 grams, 23.69 mm overall, 18.24 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16) (7/8 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]Acquired on the UK art market. Ex property of a County Durham collector.

5th century B.C. Plano-convex with intaglio scene to underside, sheep in profile beside a tree; supplied with a museum-quality impression and old dealer's label with impression. 1.9 grams, 12 mm (1/2 in.). [No Reserve] From the private collection of P. Chapman, collected from the 1970s.

Aegean, 9th-8th century B.C. Lentoid in section with intaglio goat looking backwards towards a bird in flight; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.52 grams. 13 mm (1/2 in.). [No Reserve] From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s.

1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. and later. Hoop with applied filigree and granules to the shoulders, inset later nicolo intaglio with janiform bust of male and female heads. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 206, for type. 6.00 grams, 22.90 mm overall, 17.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (7/8 in.). Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

4th century A.D. A brown oval intaglio with two facing male busts, both diademed and togate, the left bust bearded, possibly depicting Serapis and Horus. 3.38 grams, 24 mm (1 in.). Mr F.D. collection, acquired on the European art market, 1975 to present.

2nd-3rd century A.D. Ellipsoid in plan with engraved intaglio scene of Hercules advancing on a baseline to grapple with the Nemean lion, club placed to his rear; reverse with legend 'KKK/ЧЧЧ'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.26 grams, 18 mm (3/4 in.). [No Reserve] From the Fadel family collection, London, UK, 1970s.

2nd-3rd century A.D. and later. With pointed angles to the plaque, stepped cell with inset later carnelian intaglio profile portrait bust. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 353. 8.75 grams, 23.88 mm overall, 16.17 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3) (1 in.). Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

1st-3rd century A.D. Group of mainly carnelian cloisons with intaglio designs including eagle, profile bust, Serapis, winged phallus and other motifs; one possibly not ancient; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 13.54 grams total, 7-16 mm (1/4 - 5/8 in.). [14] Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London.

3rd-4th century A.D. An amber coloured intaglio of the young goddess Fortuna holding a cornucopia in her left hand, right hand raised to her face; set into a later broad openwork band pierced with addorsed crescents; bezel a flat plate with six pierced lobe extensions, triangles of granulation at each side; supplied with a museum-quality impression. Cf. C.C. Oman, Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Rings, London, 1930, no.126. 8.73 grams, 24.50 mm overall, 22.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16) (1 in.). From a London gallery in the late 1970s. Acquired on the UK art market in 2010. Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector.

2nd-3rd century A.D. Slender hoop and ellipsoid bezel with inset carnelian intaglio clasped-hands motif. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 450, for type. 1.38 grams, 18.12 mm overall, 15.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E 1/2, USA 2 1/2, Europe 3, Japan 3) (3/4 in.). Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

2nd-3rd century A.D. Ellipsoid cloison with intaglio figure of Sol standing with sceptre in one hand, the other extended, radiate crown to the head; mounted in a fragment of the ferrous finger ring. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 274, for type. 2.75 grams, 19 mm (3/4 in.). [No Reserve] From the Fadel family collection, London, UK, 1970s.

2nd-3rd century A.D. Translucent with gently sloping walls, intaglio image of a rooster facing a seated Cupid, his upper body turned away from the rooster and holding an arrow in his raised hands. 0.68 grams, 13 mm (1/2 in.). Ex Swiss collection formed in the 1980s onwards.

4th century A.D. Comprising a slender hoop and columnar bezel, intaglio image of a profile bust. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 447, for type. 3.72 grams, 23.49 mm overall, 19.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18) (1 in.). [No Reserve] From an English collection formed before 2000.

2nd-3rd century A.D. Hollow-formed with fluting to the shoulders and foliage panel to the underside, plaque with inset garnet cabochon bearing an eagle in three-quarter view gripping a lightning bolt, head turned, laurel wreath in the beak; supplied with a museum-quality impression. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, items 186, 211, for type. 11.80 grams, 30.64 mm overall, 17.06 x 12.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 2 3/4) (1 1/8 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]From the collection of a deceased lady, 1990s. Ex London, UK, gentleman, 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12523-231876.This splendid intaglio of an eagle depicts what Pliny the Elder calls the: ‘most honourable and strongest of all birds’ (Naturalis Historis.10.3.1), and Aelian remarks that it possesses the ‘keenest sight of all birds’ (De natura animalium. 1.42). However, the animal was not revered in antiquity solely out of admiration for its natural attributes, it was esteemed during the Greek, Roman Republican and Imperial times as the bird that held the lightning of the sky god Zeus/Jupiter, whose identifying symbol is the thunderbolt and his primary sacred animal is the eagle. It is also a symbol of Victory, power and immortality, since it is associated with the passage of a deified emperor’s spirit into the world of the immortals. The primary military use of the eagle was as a standard, which comprised of a golden or gilded metal eagle, clutching thunderbolts in its talons, perched atop a long metal pole with a butt-spike for planting in the ground. Both Ovid and Plutarch place the inception of manipular ensigns with Romulus, where bundles (manipuli) of hay were tied to high poles which served as rallying points for units of the army. Eventually, icons of animals replaced these ensigns: the eagle, wolf, Minotaur, horse, and boar. In 107 B.C., Gaius Marius made sweeping military reforms and the Aquila became the sole standard of the legion, which according to (Pliny NH. 10.5.16) ‘By making the Aquila the standard for all legions improved unity and gave soldiers a symbol that expressed their attachment to an all-encompassing body, to which the soldiers’ loyalty could be directed’. Due to its place at the head of each legion, it became the emblem of the Roman legions, which enforced Roman rule in the provinces, giving the eagle its connotation of dominion.