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Click here to subscribeCirca 8th century A.D. With broad hoop tapering to round-section extensions forming a coiled continuation of the hoop; Baltic Semigallian type. Cf. Griciuviene, E., Žiemgaliai. The Semigalians, Vilnius, 2005, item 525. 5.25 grams, 22.88 mm overall, 19.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18) (3/4 in.). From the collection of Alan Hardcastle. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection since 2015. [No Reserve]
10th-12th century A.D. With beaded border to the bezel, pounced field and reserved scrolled cruciform motif. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 584, for type. 2.60 grams, 22.26 mm overall, 17.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12) (7/8 in.). Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
10th century A.D. Comprising a domed, elliptical body and narrow flange border; the decorative scheme comprising four lobed faces with annular eyes amid Jellinge Style tendril ornamentation and a barred field; an asymmetrical piercing to the flange for a swag of beads to be attached to the rim; catch to the reverse together with a sturdy T-shaped fitting for the pin attached to the inside of the dome. Cf. Nerman, B., Die Vendelzeit Gotlands, Stockholm, 1969, pl.VII:5, item 271. 74 grams, 93 mm (3 3/4 in.). Ex property of a Dutch collector before 2014. From the collection of a North American gentleman. Tortoise brooches were associated strongly with wealthy females in Scandinavian communities from Ireland to Russia. Regional taste affected the decoration and the height of the dome; the present example has a carinated profile. [No Reserve] [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]
Circa 9th-10th century A.D. With broad hoop tapering to extensions forming a coiled continuation of the hoop; Baltic Semigallian type. Cf. Griciuviene, E., Žiemgaliai. The Semigalians, Vilnius, 2005, item 525. 4.60 grams, 23.19 mm overall, 19.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19) (7/8 in.). Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
10th century A.D. Modelled in profile with detailed high-relief plumage. Cf. Hammond, B., British Artefacts vol.3 - Late Saxon, Late Viking & Norman, Witham, 2013, item 1.1.3-d. 7.12 grams, 30 mm (1 1/8 in.). From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. Zoomorphic brooches were a long lived tradition in Germanic communities, including amongst Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavians. Most types appear to have fallen out of use in the 11th century, except the ones linked with Christian symbology. [No Reserve] [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]
9th-11th century A.D. Trefoil lobe with incised segment detailing and two holes to accept rivets. Cf. Hammond, B., British Artefacts vol.3 - Late Saxon, Late Viking & Norman, Witham, 2013, item, 1.6-l, for type. 7.94 grams, 35 mm (1 3/8 in.). From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. [No Reserve] [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]
8th-9th century A.D. Comprising a flat-section disc with reserved regardant beast within a pelletted border, pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse. Cf. West, S., A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998, fig.15, item 6. 8.2 grams, 29 mm (1 1/8 in.). Acquired 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
Circa 12th-14th century A.D. Mordvinian type with scrolled tendrils reserved against a hatched field. See Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XLIV, item 11. 11.08 grams, 56 mm (2 1/4 in.). From the collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
10th-11th century A.D. Trapezoidal in plan with zones of pointillé detailing, separate base-plate with catch and pin. Cf. MacGregor, A. et al., A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, item 3.25. 40 grams, 46 mm (1 3/4 in.). From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. [No Reserve] [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]
Circa 15th-16th century A.D. With D-section hoop and domed bezel with pellets. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 563, for type. 9.63 grams, 24.50 mm overall, 16.04 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 7.44, Japan 7) (1 in.). From the collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
14th-15th century A.D. Quatrefoil-type with interstitial lobes, central square panel with lion rampant. Cf. Ashley, S., Medieval Armorial Horse Furniture in Norfolk, East Anglian Archaeology 101, Dereham, 2002, item 209. 4.41 grams, 28 mm (1 in.). Found Romney Marsh area, 2023. Property of a Kent gentleman.
14th-15th century A.D. With bands and hatching to the shoulders, ellipsoid bezel with scroll motifs. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 650, for type. 8.52 grams, 25.20 mm overall, 20.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22) (1 in.). Acquired on the UK art market. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
14th-15th century A.D. A heater-shield-shaped pendant with integral suspension loop; device: [azure] a bend argent, cotised and between six lioncels [or]. Cf. Clark, J. ed., The Medieval Horse And Its Equipment, Museum of London, 2004, item 80, for these arms. 9.5 grams, 36 mm (1 3/8 in.). Found Nottinghamshire, UK. The well-known de Bohun family were Earls of Essex and Hereford. Whilst the enamelling is lost, this is a distinctive coat of arms. [No Reserve]
14th-15th century A.D. With carinated hoop, rectangular bezel with reserved maltese cross. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 538, for type. 8.84 grams, 26.60 mm overall, 17.82 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (1 in.). Ex DRG Coins and Antiquities, Essex, UK. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
14th-15th century A.D. Hatched flange rim with border of pellets, raised body pierced at centre and close to rim. Cf. similar item in the British Museum, London, under accession no.1922,0512.24 (with facing bust rather than geometric design); Mitchiner, M., Skinner, A., ‘English Tokens, c.1200 to 1425’ in British Numismatic Journal, 1983, no.53, pp.29-77, pl.4, nos.34-35. 7.31 grams, 31 mm (1 1/4 in.). From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. The medallic form of badge appears to develop during the 15th century. The symbols of the straight cross and annulets are already visible in tokens from London. During the medieval period, pewter and leaden tokens probably served a common purpose throughout England, France and the Low Countries. [No Reserve] [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]
Circa 15th-16th century A.D. With bands to the shoulders and hatching on the bezel. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 617, for type. 2.60 grams, 20.87 mm overall, 17.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15) (3/4 in.). Acquired 1970s-1980s. From the private collection of an Essex, UK, gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
Late 13th-14th century A.D. Depicted standing on the back of a peacock with his right hand extended in a gesture of benediction, crozier in his left hand. Cf. Spencer, B., Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Woodbridge, 2010, item 27, for type. 2.19 grams, 24 mm (1 in.). Found on the Thames foreshore at Chiswick, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK. [No Reserve]
15th-16th century A.D. Pie-dish bezel with inset garnet cabochon and later slender hoop. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 562, for type. 1.90 grams, 26.39 mm overall, 18.98 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18) (1 in.). Ex Spanish private collection, 1990s. Property of a Norfolk, UK, gentleman. [No Reserve]
13th-14th century A.D. An elaborate quatrefoil with remains of base of suspension loop; shield gules three lions passant gardant in pale or; trace remains of gilding. Cf. Clark, J. ed., The Medieval Horse And Its Equipment, Museum of London, 2004, item 64. 8.99 grams, 35 mm (1 3/8 in.). Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic. The heraldry references the medieval royal arms of England prior to 1340, when the arms of France were added to those of England. It should, however, be noted that the use of these former arms continued in use on small portable items for some period of time after 1340. [No Reserve]
15th-16th century A.D. With spurs to the shoulders, trumpet-shaped bezel, intaglio design of a stork amid reeds with a star above. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 643, for type. 9.74 grams, 26.09 mm overall, 18.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12) (1 in.). From the collection of Alan Hardcastle. Ex property of an Essex gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
15th-17th century A.D. With fluted shoulders and scooped edges to the bezel, pointillé border and Greek monogram of a cross with 'MHN?' finials. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 609. 6.72 grams, 21.82 mm overall, 18.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2 , USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16) (7/8 in.). Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
15th-16th century A.D. With slender round-section hoop supporting a discoid bezel with incuse stylised fleur-de-lys. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 641. 2.02 grams, 21.27mm overall, 18.62mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18) (3/4 in.). English collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Ex property of an Essex gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
12th-13th century A.D. With bag-shaped hoop, raised lateral straps developing to the claw setting, inset blue glass cabochon. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 559, for type. 6.33 grams, 29.73 mm overall, 18.47 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16) (1 1/8 in.). Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
Late 14th century A.D. Comprising a single cutting edge; scale tang with pommel formed as a bifacial crown with incised detailing; Netherlands. Marquardt, K., Eight Centuries of European Knives, Forks and Spoons: an Art Collection, Europe, 1997, p.32, item 69, for type. 31 grams, 18.3 cm (7 1/4 in.). Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. Knife handles can be classified according to their method of attachment into whittle and scale-tang handles. Whittle-tang handles were the most common type used in the early medieval period. Whittle tang handles (like here) were more common later and fixed by pushing the pointed end of the knife tang into the handle.
Circa 18th century A.D. With fluted shoulders, scallopped bezel with Cyrillic initials 'C?' (SP). Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 805, for type. 3.77 grams, 23.84 mm overall, 20.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19) (7/8 in.). Acquired in the 1970s. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
Circa 16th century A.D. With hatched panels to the shoulders, plaque with intaglio rider on advancing horse. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 583. 7.85 grams, 25.07 mm overall, 20.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20) (1 in.). Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
16th-17th century A.D. With stylised detailing to the crescentic extension, flat-section handle below. Cf. Leahy, K. and Lewis, M., The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Identified: An illustrated guide to metal detecting and archaeological finds, Essex, 2018, p.350, item LVPL-8E9B4F, for a similar object date 1550-1650, (NB. the same object has not been updated on the PAS database, so is still dated 1700-1900); cf. The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database, id. NMS-2201BE for similar, dated 1700-1900 AD. 53 grams, 58 mm (2 1/4 in.). From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. [No Reserve] [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]
Circa 18th century A.D. With scaphoid bezel, curlicues around a central roundel and pellets to the border. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 998, for type. 1.85 grams, 21.13 mm overall, 19.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19) (7/8 in.). Acquired on the UK art market. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
Late 19th century A.D. The Eureka brass skirt lifter, fitted with a quick release mechanism, by H. Knight and Co, with the design registered in 1877 and bearing the UK Registration Mark. 36.5 grams, 94 mm (3 3/4 in.). From an old English collection formed before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. This item would have been fastened to the hem of a long skirt and linked to the waist; the wearer would use it to discreetly hold her dress hem clear of the ground to keep her dress clean, especially when climbing stairs or entering/leaving a carriage. [No Reserve]
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Spheroid wooden flask and stopper; the outer face with incised alternating bands of radiating triangles and hatching, the equator with frieze of perching birds and a hatched sunburst to the underside; turned hollow wooden stopper with carinated profile and flanges. Cf. Nolte, B., Die Glasgefäße in alten Ägypten, Berlin, 1968, item 26, for type. 11 grams, 74 mm (2 7/8 in.). Ex family collection since the 1950s. Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher. The vessel is a version in lathe-turned wood of a type known to have been produced in glass.
Circa 7th-12th century A.D. Of equal-arm type, with reserved concentric panels to the obverse and central socket; pierced for suspension. Cf. similar item in the collection of the British Museum under accession no. OA.913. 20.4 grams, 51 mm (2 in.). Old UK collection, circa 2000. Ex DRG Coins and Antiquities, Essex, UK. Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher. Accompanied by a DRG certificate of authenticity and provenance statement. [No Reserve]
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. With integral square base and shallow socket to the top of the head; Bes shown standing nude with hands on hips, bearded and with grotesque features, protruding tongue, lattice to the rear of the head; face restored. Cf. similar statue in the collection of the Louvre under accession no.N 437 (IM 228 ; S 962). 1.6 kg, 32.2 cm high (12 3/4 in.). Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. Due to its size, this is more probably an architectural and devotional item than a purely amuletic one, probably from a domestic context. It is an ambitious example of moulding in the round in faience (glazed composition). [No Reserve]
Roman Period, 30 B.C.-323 A.D. Of coiled circular form with crescent decorated body, the head with ring-and-dot eyes and v-shaped nose. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 117, for type. 8.46 grams, 30.47 mm overall, 22.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z, USA 12 1/2, Europe 28.77, Japan 27) (1 1/8 in.). Ex Sussex, UK, private collection. Property of a Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman. [No Reserve]
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. One with segmented carapace and leg detailing; one with head elements only. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item fig.59. 1.61 grams total, 10-12 mm (3/8 in.). Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. [2, No Reserve]
Late New Kingdom, 1070-900 B.C. Modelled seated on an arch-shaped base, with simple facial detailing and suspension loop to the reverse. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 29(c). 0.50 grams, 8 mm (3/8 in.). From an early 20th century French collection. The goddess Bastet was considered to be the daughter of the sun god and was originally shown with the features of a lion up until about 1000 B.C. when she is portrayed as a cat or human with a cat head. As the daughter of Ra she is associated with the rage inherent in the sun god's eye which was considered to be his instrument of vengeance. Her development into a cat goddess occurred some time around the New Kingdom but did not fully develop until the Late Period. She is still associated with the destructive power of the sun and is shown on the prow of the solar boat decapitating the evil serpent Apophis in the Book of the Dead. The maternal, protective and hunting characteristics of the cat are the most obvious in Bastet and she is seen as a protector of pregnant women and young children. In the Pyramid Texts she is invoked by the deceased king to act as his protector and to help him reach the sky to join the sun god, and the king proclaims that Bastet is his mother and nurse. Like her counterpart, Sekhmet, Bastet has an aggressive side and in a text from Karnak the Pharaoh Amenhotep II describes how his enemies are slaughtered like the victims of Bastet. The goddess had a shrine at Karnak where she is known as the Lady of Asheru which places her closely with the goddess Mut, the consort of Amun-Ra. Her most famous shrine was in the north-east Delta region at Bubastis and was known as Per-Bastet or the House of Bastet. Herodotus describes the festival of Bastet as one of the most elaborate in all of Egypt and identifies her with the Greek Artemis. Cemeteries of cats have been excavated at not only Bubastis but also Saqqara and Memphis.
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Wound construction with raised partially gilded decoration. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 15, for type. 10.61 grams, 32.49 mm overall, 19.42 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20) (11/4 in.). Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. [No Reserve]
Circa 6th-7th century A.D. Comprising a large fragment of a vertical band (clavus) from a tunic, woven in yellow linen and purple wool, embroidered with two rows of interlaced polygonal patterns, edged by crenellated borders and a straight line, the two rows divided by a central linear double band. Cf. Forrer, Die Graeber und Textilfunde von Achmim-Panopolis, Strassburg, 1891, pl.XI, no.4, for similar. 85 grams, 32.5 x 27 cm (12 3/4 x 10 5/8 in.). Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. The wide geometric pattern suggests a dating of the item in the early years of the Arab conquest. [No Reserve]
3rd century B.C.-2nd century A.D. With broad columnar neck and everted rim, angled strap handles, vertical ribbing to the shoulder and body, bands of applied scooped discs to the handle and equator, feathered panels. Cf. similar item in the Yale University Art gallery under accession number 1938.4835, from the excavations at Dura-Europos. 1.67 kg, 30 cm high (11 3/4 in.). Hani Farsi collection, London, UK. Acquired Christie's, King Street, London, circa 1990. Ex central London gallery. [No Reserve]
2nd century AD. With panels to the cloak and horse's body for enamel fill, notched outline to the hair and mane, pin and catchplate to verso. Cf. Hattatt, R., Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1175. 3.45 grams, 33 mm (1 1/4 in.). Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex property of a German collector 2016. Property of an Essex, UK, lady.
3rd-4th century A.D. and later. Comprising various figures and mounts including: a sheep, a fly, a peacock, an anthropomorphic head, a mount with a lying feline and a crouching figure. Cf. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, University of Reading PhD thesis, 2010, item 287 (horse from Spalding, Lincolnshire). 94 grams total, 18-40 mm (3/4 - 1 1/2 in.). Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. In the art of late antiquity and early Christianity, during the Christian Middle Ages to the present, peacock held a prominent place, not only as a decorative motif, but also as a distinctive emblematic and symbolic sign. Its image was usually combined with a kantharos or a tree of life. Individually or in pairs, it was usually represented on places which were the ones closest to the holiest part of churches (altar’s parapet wall panels). Votive statuettes were brought in the church by the believers. [6, No Reserve]
2nd-3rd century A.D. With facetted bow and chord coiled around the rear lug, pin extending to the pierced catchplate with knop finial. Cf. Hattatt, R., Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1234. 12.4 grams, 43 mm (1 3/4 in.). Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. [No Reserve]
1st-3rd century A.D. Pale green colour with broad rounded shoulder tapering to a rounded base, cylindrical neck and everted rim, applied scrolling handles; iridescent surfaces. Cf. Lightfoot, C.S., Ancient Glass in the National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh, 2007, item 307; Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 81.10.171 and 199318, for other Roman glass amphoras. 31 grams, 97 mm high (3 3/4 in.). Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
1st century A.D. Amphoriskos with flat disc-shaped body, tubular neck with flared rim, two lateral knee-shaped handles to the shoulder. Cf. Lightfoot, C.S., Ancient Glass in National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, 2007, item 270, for type. 12.4 grams, 58 mm (2 1/4 in.). Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. [No Reserve]
Circa 2nd century A.D. With openwork body formed as two dolphins leaping in tandem, with simple detailing to the fins; on the reverse pin lug and catchplate. Cf. Hattatt, R., Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1641. 13.3 grams, 32 mm (1 1/4 in.). Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. Twin dolphin brooches were found in Wiltshire, but they are more typical of the Roman territory of Pannonia, The hinge was usually placed below the bodies towards the tails, so that when worn win the pin point uppermost the dolphins faced upwards instead of downwards. [No Reserve]
2nd-3rd century A.D. The monogram in Latin letters, ('R'+'M'+'A', with the 'O' represented by the circular plan of the brooch itself), a palindrome 'AMOR'; complete with pin. Cf. Heynowski, R., Bestimmungsbuch Archaeologie: Fibeln, Munich, 2012, item 3.26.11, for type; for a similar brooch discovered on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, see database in Portable Antiquities Scheme website. 10 grams, 35 mm (1 3/8 in.). From the collection of Alan Hardcastle. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. The brooch is composed of the stylised letters ‘RMA’. When viewed from the obverse RMA + the circle of the brooch form a monogram for ‘Roma’. Roma refers to both the city and its divine personification, the Dea Roma. But if RMA is read from right to left (or the brooch is viewed from the opposite side), the letters display a monogram for ‘AMOR’, the Latin name for Cupid, the god of love. The phrase pertains to Roma-Amor, a widely recognised palindrome espousing Roman wordplay in the ancient times. [No Reserve]
1st-2nd century A.D. With rectangular loop and two bulbs flanking the rest for the tongue; robust hinged tongue integral with the hinge, terminating in a palmette; hollow to the underside. Cf. Appels, A. & Laycock, S., Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, item AA12.7, for type. 471 grams, 11.3 cm (4 1/2 in.). Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. The buckle is too large and heavy for normal use; it was probably created for an oversized statue of an emperor.
1st-3rd century A.D. A tall pale green iridescent bottle with bulbous flat bottomed base, tall neck and rolled everted rim. Cf. Whitehouse, D., Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, vol.1, New York, 1997, item 261. 23 grams, 16.5 cm high (6 1/2 in.). Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
1st-3rd century A.D. Small aqua-glass perfume bottle with flared trumpet-shaped mouth, bulbous lower body and applied base. Cf. Lightfoot, C.S., Ancient Glass in National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, 2007, item 427, for type. 13 grams, 86 mm (3 3/8 in.). Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
2nd century A.D. With silvered finish, legs extended and head reversed, pin-lug and catch to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R., Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, 1985, item 612. 6.9 grams, 31 mm (1 1/4 in.). Ex DRG Coins and Antiquities, Essex, UK. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
4th-5th century A.D. With wide flat bottom decorated inside with incised concentric circles, the internal concave surface retaining some of the silver coating; the central umbilicus still visible. Cf. Tassinari, S., La Vaisselle de Bronze, Romaine et Provinciale, au Musée des Antiquités Nationales, XXIXe supplément de Gallia, Paris, 1975, item 88, for a type with same dimensions (22cm diameter). 860 grams, 22.8 cm wide (9 in.). From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960. This vessel (lanx) was part of Roman and provincial bronze instrumentum domesticum, i.e. culinary or domestic utility ware. Such cooking vessels are rare in such condition: some are found in central and northern Gaul, Italy, in Pannonia, Germany and in Britain. Specimens of precious metal, richly decorated and chiselled, sometimes adorned with reliefs, are mentioned by ancient authors such as Cicero (Ad Att., VI,1,13) and Ovid (Pont.III,5,20). [No Reserve]
2nd century A.D. With inset burnt white stone cloison. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 275, for type. 9.42 grams, 20.30 mm overall, 13.82 x 16.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6) (7/8 in.). Acquired 1970's. Ex UK collection. Property of a Hampshire, UK gentleman.
2nd-3rd century A.D. With openwork monogram in Latin letters, ('R'+'M'+'A', with the 'O' represented by the circular plan of the brooch itself), a palindrome 'AMOR'; complete with pin. Cf. Heynowski, R., Bestimmungsbuch Archaeologie: Fibeln, Munich, 2012, item 3.26.11, for type; for a similar brooch discovered on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, see database in Portable Antiquities Scheme website. 13.86 grams, 35 mm (1 3/8 in.). Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK. The brooch is composed of the stylised letters ‘RMA’. When viewed from the obverse RMA + the circle of the brooch form a monogram for ‘Roma’. Roma refers to both the city and its divine personification, the Dea Roma. But if RMA is read from right to left (or the brooch is viewed from the opposite side), the letters display a monogram for ‘AMOR’, the Latin name for Cupid, the god of love. The phrase pertains to Roma-Amor, a widely recognised palindrome espousing Roman wordplay in the ancient times.
1st-3rd century A.D. Modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist. See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 90; Boucher, S., Recherches sur les bronzes figures de Gaule pre-romaine et romaine, 1976, pl.35, no.163, for comparable examples. 43 grams, 59 mm (2 1/4 in.). Acquired 1970s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Hampshire, UK gentleman. Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows.
Circa 2nd century A.D. Modelled in the round, the neck with small engraved lines indicating mane, narrow body, short tail, the forelegs forming the pin’s catch. Cf. Hattatt, R., Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1643; a similar horse (with rider) in Melchart, W., Antike Kostbarkeiten aus Osterreichischem privatbesitz, Wien, 1997, fig.40. 10.8 grams, 31 mm (1 1/4 in.). Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. The style of the animal is typical of the Pannonian area. It is different from similar fibulae in the western part of the empire, where there is more suggestion of movement. However, in general the head and body are modelled with realism, and the forelegs are acting as a wide flat catch-plate. [No Reserve]
1st century A.D. Integral ellipsoid bezel, incised frond motif. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 262 for type. 5.65 grams, 21.09 mm overall, 16.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11) (3/4 in.). Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. [No Reserve]
1st century A.D. With slightly bulbous body, flared foot, broad neck with applied trail collar, everted rim with trail to underside, applied folded strap handle. Cf. Whitehouse, D., Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, vol.1, New York, 1997, item 332, for type. 97 grams, 16 cm (6 1/4 in.). Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. [No Reserve]
1st century B.C. With carinated hoop, elliptical bezel. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 134, for type. 3.62 grams, 20.42 mm overall, 15.13 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6) (3/4 in.). Acquired from Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. [No Reserve]
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. With plain ellipsoid integral plaque and slender hoop. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 162, for type. 2.99 grams, 21.94 mm overall, 16.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11) (3/4 in.). From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
1st century A.D. With slender wire shank formed into a knot for the bezel, blue glass seed beads to the shoulders and a gold collar with applied granule detailing. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 214, for type. 0.99 grams, 17.07 mm overall, 15.75 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.3, Japan 4) (5/8 in.). From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
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