Unique Relics Of The Grandeur That Was Rome
PAINTING MARBLE GLASS JEWELRY IVORY LEGIONARY METAL FIGURES POTTERY FIGURES VESSELS TOOLS OTHER
ROMAN SCULPTURE
THE EMPEROR HADRIAN 12887. ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF HADRIAN. Rome, 2nd-3rd century AD. Portrait head of the Roman emperor Hadrian (117-138). Carved in the round from fine-grained white Roman marble with finely polished surfaces. The 33 cm. height of this piece is slightly larger than life size. It powerfully depicts the emperor with his head turned slightly turned to the left, gaze fixed straight in front of him. His face is framed by thick curly hair and beard. The forehead is broad and smooth, the thick eyebrows are rendered with finely engraved features. The eye sockets are strongly chiaroscuro and his eyes are characterized by elongated eyelids carved in relief. The powerful wide nose increases the stern visage of the emperor. The cheekbones are high and strong, the bottoms of the ears show beneath the curly hair; the mouth is slightly open; the neck has an anatomically accurate modeling. The nose, ears and a few curls are chipped otherwise in excellent original condition. Left side.
With Hadrian begins a series of imperial Roman portraits bearded in imitation of the Greek philosophers. A wonderful classic sculpture that communicates the dignity and authority of this emperor who ruled at the pinnacle of the Roman empire.
Provenance: A Florentine collection, Ex Dea Moneta. Comes with a 2009 Italian export permit. Italian export permit page 1. Italian export document page 2.
Price on request.
PORTRAIT OF NERO? AS A BOY 11680. LIFE SIZED ROMAN MARBLE BUST OF A BOY. Julio-Claudian Period, 1st century AD. Finely carved marble bust of a noble boy in Neronic style wearing a toga fastened with a large clasp on his left shoulder quite possibly the young Nero. Compare this very similar portrait of Nero as a boy wearing the same cloak and fastener from a Roman gold aureus. 40 x 34 x 17 cm. Losses to right shoulder, slight chip to tip of nose, and some slight calcification patina attesting age. Left side. Back view. Right side.
Provenance: Property of an Italian family by descent. Will be shipped from Italy with official export document from the Italian Ministry of Culture. Export Permit page 1. Export Permit page 2.
STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL 12889. ROMAN NUDE MARBLE EROS/CUPID. Rome, 2nd-3rd century AD. Wonderfully carved life sized classical sculpture of a nude winged youth standing bent slightly forward at the waist representing Eros/Cupid, the youthful God of erotic love. Carved in the round from fine-grained white Carrara marble with highlights of rich honey patina. Dimensions 72 cm height x 36 cm width. Loses in antiquity, but all parts of the body from neck to knees remaining in excellent original condition with no repair or restoration. Comes on a custom black marble base. An exceptional masterpiece of classical erotic art. Right side. Front left view. Rear view. Detailed description.
Provenance: A private Florentine collection, acquired by the current owner at ACR Auctions, Munich. Accompanied by an Italian export permit.
12914. ROMAN MARBLE HEAD. Eastern Mediterranean, 1st-3rd century AD. 3.25 inches. The head of a young man with wavy hair and an intent expression. On professional black plastic stand. Another view. Another view. Another view.
Provenance: A private East Coast collection formed during the late 20th century.
11681. ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF A BEARDED MAN. 3rd century AD, The marble head of bearded man, perhaps an emperor or philosopher. 23 x 19 x 16 cm. Wear consistent with age and some removable dirt stains and some slight calcified deposits attesting age. Right side. Left side.
Provenance: Property of an Italian family by descent. Shipped from Italy with official export document from the Italian Ministry of Culture. Export Permit page 1. Export Permit page 2.
9069. IMPRESSIVE PALMYRAN LIMESTONE PRIESTESS. Roman Syria, c. 2nd century AD. The sizable limestone figure of the robed and veiled priestess holding a patera (offering bowl) and staff of authority. 6 x 10.5 inches. Rare. Provenance: A private American collection with independent documentation establishing US ownership since at least November, 1999.
ROMAN GLASS
11309. LARGER ROMAN GLASS FLASK, circa 4th century AD. Everted rim, long cylindrical neck, piriform body. Pale bluish-green hue with some interior cloudiness. Height: 17.6cm. Intact. A larger than usual example.
11247. ROMAN GLASS HEXAGONAL BOTTLE, circa 1st century AD. Everted rim, short cylindrical neck widening slightly toward shoulder, tall hexagonal body. Handle rising from shoulder to rim. Bluish-green hue with traces of iridescence. Height: 14.6cm. Intact. Provenance: Acquired from CNG by current owner.
11248. ROMAN RIBBED GLASS BOTTLE, circa 4th century AD. Flaring rim, cylindrical neck, globular body with diagonal ribbing. Bluish-green tint. Height: 17.0cm. Intact. Provenance: Acquired from CNG by current owner.
11249. ROMAN RIBBED GLASS BOTTLE, circa 4th century AD. Flaring rim, cylindrical neck, globular body with diagonal ribbing. Bluish-green tint. Height: 17.0cm. Intact. Provenance: Acquired from CNG by current owner.
11250. ROMAN GLASS SPRINKLER FLASK, circa 4th century AD. Everted rim, cylindrical neck widening slightly toward bottom and constricted at junction with globular body with narrow opening and faint diagonal ribbing. Attractive honey amber hue. Height: 9.4cm. Intact. Provenance: Acquired from CNG by current owner.
7413. BEAUTIFUL LATE ROMAN BYZANTINE MINIATURE GLASS VIAL, c. 3th-5th century AD. Pale green glass with wide rolled rim. 1.75 inches. These miniature vessels are quite rare and were used for rare essences or perhaps even poison as they could be easily concealed in clothing. Beautiful silvery blue iridescence. Provenance: From the estate of a prominent Egyptologist. Imported into the US in 1954.
7415. LATE ROMAN BYZANTINE MINIATURE GLASS VIAL, c. 3th-5th century AD. Opaque white glass with rolled rim. 1.7 inches. These miniature vessels are quite rare and were used for rare essences or perhaps even poison as they could be easily concealed in clothing. Provenance: From the estate of a prominent Egyptologist. Imported into the US in 1954.
7416. LATE ROMAN BYZANTINE MINIATURE GLASS BOTTLE, c. 3th-5th century AD. Pale green glass with rolled rim. 1.2 inches. These miniature vessels are quite rare. Provenance: From the estate of a prominent Egyptologist. Imported into the US in 1954.
7417. LATE ROMAN BYZANTINE MINIATURE GLASS BOTTLE, c. 3th-5th century AD. Transparent glass with thickened rim. 1.5 inches. These miniature vessels are quite rare. Provenance: From the estate of a prominent Egyptologist. Imported into the US in 1954.
7812. ROMAN GLASS BOTTLE, c. 2nd-4th century AD. The fluted body of pale green glass. Stable lines on one side of neck, otherwise excellent condition. 2.5 inches. Scarce and better fluted glass example. Provenance: From the estate of a prominent Egyptologist. Imported into the US in 1954.
8306. A LARGER ROMAN GLASS BOTTLE, c. 1st-3rd century. Globular base with tall neck and conical interior base. 7.5". Intact, light calcium deposits.
9091. A LARGE ROMAN GLASS VIAL, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The vial with very tall neck (repaired) with rolled rim and beehive base with conical interior decanter base with pontil mark. 7.4 inches. Light lime deposits and iridescence.
9092. A FINE ROMAN GLASS BEAKER, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The body of the straight-walled beaker covered in fine silvery blue iridescence with some ancient soil. 3 x 3.9 inches. A beautiful and rare example.
9093. A FINE ROMAN GLASS DOUBLE CHAMBERED VIAL, c. 1st-3rd century AD. the bottle with double-pinched body and high neck with wide funnel rim. 5.1 inches. Intact, the body covered with silvery peacock iridescence.
9716. A ROMAN GLASS BOTTLE, c. 3rd century AD. The high conical neck with nine spirals of thin applied glass thread. 4 inches. Stable hairlines. Light iridescence. Rare type. Provenance: Ex Bernheimer collection with old tag.
9740. ROMAN GLASS BOTTLE, c. 1st-3rd century. The larger glass vessel with globular base and high cylindrical neck with rolled rim. 6.5 inches. Excellent condition.
6871. A FINE ROMAN GLASS VIAL, c. 1st-3rd century. With conical body and medium neck with rolled rim. 4.1". Excellent example covered with pale milky iridescence. Scarce.
ROMAN JEWELRY
11660. FINE ROMAN BUCKLE WITH BUSTS OF AN EMPEROR AND EMPRESS. Roman Province of Pannonia, c. 4th century AD. Finely constructed bronze buckles with two Constantinian style busts, likely that of a Constantinian emperor and empress. 1.75 x 1.75 inches. A very rare type of buckle. Covered with an excellent smooth forest green patina. Provenance: From a private Hungarian collection formed in the 1950's. Back view.
9338. A PAIR OF FINE ROMAN GOLD EARRINGS, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Of thick twisted gold wires imitating a braided form. 22 mm. Wearable with care.
7547. A FINE ROMAN GOLD APPLICAE OF ZEUS AMMON, c 1st-3rd century AD. Finely worked very high profile sheet gold repousse attachment of the horned god. 1.6î. Rare and in choice condition! Provenance: Acquired at Harmer Rooke Galleries August, 1998.
10067. FINE ROMAN SILVER BRACELET, c. 1st - 3rd century AD. A fine intact and wearable Roman silver bracelet with twisted ridges interspersed with beaded rows, the two ends wrapped around and sliding over each other to give a very slight adjustment in size and aid in putting it on the wrist. A classical Roman silver bracelet of fine design in choice and wearable condition, but only for a very small hand! 2.35 x 2.5 external diameter. 2 x 2.25 inches internal diameter.
8715. A FINE ROMAN TWISTED SILVER BRACELET, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The bracelet with finely symmetric twists tapering to the open ends. 2.4 inches. 36.49 gm. Choice example in excellent condition.
6797. A CHOICE ROMAN CAMEO, c. 1st-2nd century AD. The cameo carved from layered opaque white on black glass in fine classical style with a young male head facing l. Stable lines. 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.4 cm. Very rare this nice!
SOL HELIOS THE SUN GOD 6800. BEAUTIFUL ROMAN SILVER RING WITH CARNELIAN INTAGLIO, c. 2nd-3rd century. The heavy silver seal ring set with a large carnelian intaglio deeply carved with a radiate bust with flowing hair. 30mm wide, internal diameter 15 x 21 mm. Rare and choice! Wearable.
Provenance: A private Hungarian collection formed in the 1950's.
7214. BEAUTIFUL LATE ROMAN EARLY BYZANTINE BRONZE BUCKLE, c. 3rd-5th century AD. Intact and functional with a choice forest green patina. 2 inches. Provenance: A private NJ collection. Acquired at Dawson's Auction House late 1990's. Ex the Joseph Ternbach collection formed over many decades through the later half of the 20th century.
8181. AN ORNATE ROMAN GILDED FIBULA, c. 2nd-4th century AD. Double bowed type with considerable gilding remaining. 2.5". Rare. Provenance: A private NJ collection. Acquired at Dawson's Auction House late 1990's. Ex the Joseph Ternbach collection formed over many decades through the later half of the 20th century.
8304. ROMAN SILVER 'FEDE' RING, c. 1st-3rd century AD. With clasped hands symbolizing fidelity, familiar from coins, on the bezel. 18 x 20 mm. Rare. Wearable and a fine gift for a spouse or friend.
8305. ROMAN BOY ON A DOLPHIN RING, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Bronze ring with bezel engraved with a scene of 3 frolicking dolphins, a boy riding the largest one. 19x22mm. Intact and wearable with excellent detail. A museum quality ancient engraving.
8710. BEAUTIFULLY CARVED CARNELIAN INTAGLIO ROMAN RING, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The ring set with a large (12 x 16 mm) and very fine red carnelian deeply carved with the diademed bust of a laureate bearded male, perhaps a provincial king. 25 mm, 16 x 19 mm internal. Choice quality and condition. Provenance: A private Hungarian collection formed in the 1950's.
8712. BEAUTIFULLY CARVED ROMAN SILVER INTAGLIO RING, c. 3rdñ4th century AD. The ring set with a very large (14 x 18 mm) and fine red carnelian deeply carved with the diademed bust of an emperor with shield and spear, similar to those on coins of the period. 27 mm, 15 x 20 mm internal. The ring is choice quality and complete and in excellent condition, one half in shadow in image. Provenance: A private Hungarian collection formed in the 1950's.
8713. HUGE ROMAN SILVER GLOVE RING, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The huge ring designed either for a huge finger or to be worn over a glove, the bezel set with an extremely fine 12mm x 16mm deeply carved carnelian intaglio of the horned head of Zeus Ammon. 35mm, 27mm internal diameter. Choice quality and condition and wearable (if your finger is large enough!). Provenance: A private Hungarian collection formed in the 1950's.
8725. ROMAN FIGURAL SUNBURST BROOCH, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The bronze brooch with the head of a goddess wearing a necklace with three large pendants and a turetted crown, all centered in a sunburst or floral device. 1.6 inches. Said to have been found in the Holy Land. A rare type, and with excellent condition and beautiful style and composition.
8726. A ROMAN FIBULA WITH INSCRIPTION, c. 1st-3rd century. The bow type bronze fibula with inscription LoVII molded in the terminal. 2 inches. Rare.
ROMAN IVORY & BONE CARVING
9083. EROTIC ROMAN BONE VENUS. Egypt, prob. Alexandria c. 2nd-4th century AD. The beautiful maiden standing nude except for a pleated garment which she holds up over her pubic area with her left hand while she cradles her breast with the right, the reverse view shows that the garment has slipped down over her thighs reveling her ample hips. 2.25 inches. A wonderful figure charged with eroticism and in excellent condition except that the suspension loop at top is broken.
9084. EROTIC ROMAN BONE VENUS. Egypt, prob. Alexandria c. 2nd-4th century AD. The beautiful maiden standing nude except for a pleated garment fastened at her hip by a large brooch which she holds from slipping down over her body or perhaps she is in the process of removing it. 3.2 inches. A wonderful figure charged with eroticism and in excellent condition.
6877. ROMAN EROTIC IVORY AMULET. Syria or Holy land, c. 1st-3rd century. Carved in the form of an arm with closed hand, the other end terminating in a phallus, suspension hole through the center. 31mm. Some ancient green patina attesting its authenticity. Rare and nice. Would make a great pendant!
ROMAN LEGIONARY ITEMS
11664. VERY RARE ROMAN SPECIAL PURPOSE ARROWHEAD. Roman Province of Pannonia, c. 2nd-4th century AD. The rare special purpose arrowhead made of iron with wide flat head pierced by two holes and strengthened by a central rib. 4.3 x 2 inches. Very rare and an excellent example in excellent condition especially for an ancient iron artifact. The exact use of these rare arrowheads is not certain. Experts speculate that they carried either fire or messages, likely signal streamers attached to the two holes for signaling legions during combat. Provenance: From a private Hungarian collection formed in the 1960's.
7257. A RARE HELLENISTIC EARLY ROMAN BALLISTA BOLT, 3rd-1st century BC. The bronze ballista bolt of large arrowhead form with tenon on trailing end. The Roman ballista was a large stationary crossbow that was mechanically wound up and shot bolts with tremendous force. It was the Roman equivalent of a small artillery piece. Very rare and in excellent condition. 2.25 inches. Dr Mike Bishop, co-author of 'Roman Military Equipment', suggests that this may be a rarer Hellenistic ballista bolt.
7258. A RARE HELLENISTIC EARLY ROMAN BALLISTA BOLT, 3rd-1st century BC. The bronze ballista bolt of large arrowhead form with tenon on trailing end. The Roman ballista was a large stationary crossbow that was mechanically wound up and shot bolts with tremendous force. It was the Roman equivalent of a small artillery piece. Very rare and in excellent condition. 2.5 inches. Dr Mike Bishop, co-author of 'Roman Military Equipment', suggests that this may be a rarer Hellenistic ballista bolt.
7259. A RARE HELLENISTIC EARLY ROMAN BALLISTA BOLT, 3rd-1st century BC. The bronze ballista bolt of large arrowhead form with tenon on trailing end. The Roman ballista was a large stationary crossbow that was mechanically wound up and shot bolts with tremendous force. It was the Roman equivalent of a small artillery piece. Very rare and in excellent condition. 2.5 inches. Dr Mike Bishop, co-author of 'Roman Military Equipment', suggests that this may be a rarer Hellenistic ballista bolt.
11130. ROMAN LEGIONARY TILE, c. 1st century BC - 2nd century AD. FNIRE (retrograde) stamp of Legion Exeritus Germanicus Inferior. The entire stamp would read EX GER INF. 1 x 4 x 5 inches.
INFAMOUS ROMAN 10TH LEGION 11131. ROMAN LEGIONARY TILE, c. 1st century BC - 2nd century AD. X G partial stamp of Legion X Gemina, the famous Tenth Legion central to the Roman suppression of the Judaean revolt. 1 x 4 x 4 inches.
11133. ROMAN LEGIONARY TILE, c. 1st century BC - 2nd century AD. LEG II AVG stamp of Legion II Augusta, the stamp complete and clear. 1.5 x 7 x 8 inches.
11657. ROMAN LEGIONARY TILE WITH CANINE IMPRINT. Roman Province of Pannonia, c. 2nd-4th century AD. A Roman legionary building tile (baked orange clay brick) with the imprint of a dog's footprint, likely the pet of a legionary soldier or local camp dog who stepped on it while it was drying prior to baking. The tile 6 x 7 x 1.25 inches, the print 2 x 3 inches. The print quite clear with excellent detail including the claw marks. Some ancient calcified deposits in the impressions attesting authenticity. Quite rare. Provenance: From a private Hungarian collection formed in the 1960's.
ROMAN FIGURES IN SILVER & BRONZE
EX CHRISTIE'S 8292. AN IMPORTANT ROMAN SILVER FIGURE OF JUPITER, c. 1st-2nd century AD. The god standing naked in the classic pose with right hand wielding his thunderbolt, his eagle perched on the outstretched left hand. Done in fine classical style with detailed musculature and features, wearing an original gold torque around his neck. 2.2". Choice condition, extremely rare. On a custom stand.
Provenance: Christie's 1998 auction estimated at $5000-$7000.
SOLD.
8136. BEAUTIFUL ROMAN SILVER COCKEREL, c. 1st-2nd century AD. The small rooster cast and engraved with a wonderful life-like expressive pose and fine detailing with its head turned to the side in an alert listening position. 13 x 22 x 25mm. A small museum quality treasure and extremely rare! Choice intact condition on original base. Proveance: Ex. Christies.
7560. A FINE ROMAN BRONZE FIGURE OF MERCURY, Circa 1st-3rd Century AD. Mercury (Greek Hermes) was not only the messenger of the gods, but the god of merchants and thieves as well. Here he is depicted with his winged hat holding a purse to signify his connection with wealth and success in business. He stands nude except for a cape curled round his arm and a traveling cap (petasos) with wings. In his right outstretched hand he carries a leather purse filled with coins. On a custom stand. Height: 8.4 cm. (3.3"). Metal composition: Solid cast bronze with natural hard green patina. Condition: The left hand lost in antiquity, otherwise in choice condition with better facial detail than shows in the image. Provenance: Acquired at Harmer Rooke Galleries in the early 1990's. Independent documentation it's been in the US since at least July 1997.
7561. A ROMAN BRONZE ATTACHMENT, c. 1st-3rd century AD. In ancient times attachments like the current fine example were used to ornament wooden chests or pieces of furniture. Finely cast bronze applicae in the form of the facing head of an Erote with long curly hair drawn into a top knot. Diameter: 44 mm. (1.73"). Depth: 18 mm. (0.71"). Weight: 48.71 gm. (1.714 oz.). Metal composition: Bronze with natural brown and green patina, small area of modern solder on reverse, plugged hole on top rim. Condition: Excellent.
8150. IMPRESSIVE ROMAN BRONZE APPLIQUE, c. 1st century BC/AD. Finely styled and detailed facing head with ringlets and tiara. 1.75 x 1.75 inches. Nice example.
7651. SIZABLE ROMAN BRONZE STEELYARD WEIGHT, c. 1st-2nd century AD. The applique in the form of the bust of a noblewoman or empress wearing an ornate headdress, large loop at top. 3.3 inches. Fine classical style.
7645. ROMAN BRONZE PRIAPUS, c. 1st-2nd century AD. The bearded god raising the front of his robe to reveal his large erection on which he supports an assortment of fruits and grape bunches. 3 inches. A rare and desirable type known from finds at Pompeii.
7646. EROTIC ROMAN TELESPHOROS ATTIS, c. 1st -2nd century AD. Depicting the god Telesphoros dressed in Asiatic robe with peaked hood, the front of which he raises to reveal his large erect member on which he supports an assortment of fruits. 2.6 inches. A rare depiction.
8148. FINE ROMAN BRONZE APPLIQUE, c. 1st-3rd century AD. In the form of a facing head with excellent features, details and a fine olive green patina. 3 inches. Choice example better than image.
8719. CHARMING ROMAN BRONZE FINIAL, c. 1st-3rd century AD. In the form of a finely detailed eagle perched on the head of a deer. 1.3". Excellent style and condition. Rare mythological depiction.
8720. ROMAN BRONZE ATTACHMENT IN THE FORM OF A SPHINX, Provincial style, c. 1st-3rd century. The solid cast attachment with concave back probably originally from a bronze vessel, cast in the form of a facing sphinx, her wings at her sides. 2.6 inches. Very rare and in excellent condition.
ROMAN POTTERY FIGURES
RARE ART OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC 9697. ROMAN REPUBLIC TERRA COTTA HEAD, c. 4th - 2nd century BC. The young male head with cap over his curly hair. 4.25 inches. Light sea encrustation. Rare and of fine style. Right enlargement. Right enlargement. Rear view.
Provenance: The estate of an American artist resident in Rome just after the war. Brought to the US c. 1960.
7370. FINE ROMAN EGYPTIAN TERRA COTTA FIGURE OF A SOTHIC DOG. Roman Egypt, c. 1st-2nd century AD. The small dog reclining with legs drawn up beneath it, the short tail tightly curled, he wears a collar ornamented with three circular medallions, the hair, eyes and mouth indicated with careful incised detail. 2.4 inches. A small masterpiece! Detail both sides. The Sothic dog of Isis was connected with the dog star Sirius, the heliacal rising of which marked the first day of the year and the coming of the yearly flooding of the Nile (the inundation). Figures of the Sothic dog were popular during the 1st and 2nd Century AD and valued for the domestic shrines as a harbinger of the New Year and to protect the household from the chaos caused by the rising waters.
Provenance: A private NJ collection. Previously from the collection of a prominent Egyptologist brought to the US in 1954 with the family.
7371. FINE ROMAN EGYPT TERRA COTTA FIGURE OF A CAT. c. 1st-2nd century AD. The small cat seated on its hind legs, with tail curled forward, wearing a collar with ornaments in the front, the hair, eyes and mouth indicated with careful incised detail. Hard fired, 1.75 inches. A small masterpiece! Free standing. Provenance: A private NJ collection. Previously from the collection of a prominent Egyptologist brought to the US in 1954 with the family.
7376. LARGE LATE ROMAN COPTIC TERRA COTTA FIGURE OF A DOG. c. 1st-2nd century AD. The dog standing at attention with perked up ears and tightly curled tail, collar with pendant at front. 3.5 x 5 x 2 inches wide. One of a pair. Free standing. Intact and appealing. Provenance: A private NJ collection. Previously from the collection of a prominent Egyptologist brought to the US in 1954 with the family.
7377. LARGE LATE ROMAN COPTIC TERRA COTTA FIGURE OF A DOG. c. 1st-2nd century AD. The dog standing at attention with perked up ears and tightly curled tail, collar with pendant at front. 3.5 x 5 x 2 inches wide. One of a pair. Free standing. Intact and appealing. Provenance: A private NJ collection. Previously from the collection of a prominent Egyptologist brought to the US in 1954 with the family.
7320. RARE LATE ROMAN COPTIC TERRA COTTA BUST OF AN ARAB, Roman Egypt, c. 5th-8th century AD. Wearing a turban and with robe held around lower part of face from inside. 2 inches. Very rare depiction. Provenance: A private NJ collection. Previously from the collection of a prominent Egyptologist brought to the US in 1954 with the family.
ROMAN BRONZE & POTTERY VESSELS
9085. ROMAN TERRA SIGILLATA SHARD WITH ZEUS AMMON OR OCEANUS. c. 3rd-5th century AD. The red ware fragment of the rim of a bowl with a fine facing head of either Zeus Ammon with ram's horns and bushy beards extending to both sides, or possibly Oceanus whose image often appears on opposite sides of a dish with two fish on the other sides; for a complete plate, see Salomonson, 1969, p. 102 (Pl. II 6 = Louvre AO 6639). In this case the 'horns' are, in fact, probably lobster claws. 3.7 inches. Choice example.
6890. LARGE ROMAN BRONZE PATERA, c. 1st-3rd cent. The heavy vessel with classic Pompeian style ribbed base. Intact with encrustation. Small hole one edge. 13" across the handle. Rare large intact Roman bronze vessel.
8303. A ROMAN BRONZE BOWL, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Sizable shallow bowl with rolled rim with two suspension holes for hanging on kitchen wall. 7.5". Small press spot but nice condition. Attractive blue and green deposits on bottom. Scarce.
9079. A ROMAN BRONZE PATERA, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The offering bowl with (detached) handle with duck's head and engraved palmettes top and bottom. The bowl 8.75 inches in diameter, the handle 7.5 inches. Very rare. Hole on edge of bowl where handle was attached.
11666. FINE QUALITY ROMAN PATERA HANDLE. Roman Province of Pannonia, c. 2nd-4th century AD. The bronze patera handle terminating in the helmeted head of a warrior or priest. 1.5 x 5.25 inches. Roman pateras were shallow bronze vessels of frying pan form. They were used to make offerings during religious ceremonies. Provenance: From a private Hungarian collection formed in the 1960's.
9733. RARE SILVER ROMAN STEP SPOON, c. 2nd century AD. The spoon with piriform bowl and six decorative incised 'X's on the step. 6.85 inches. Intact. Silver spoons were used only in wealthy Roman households. Rare. Reference: Riha/Stern, Die rˆmischen Lˆffel. Provenance: The Emeritus collection formed by a university Vice President in the 1960's through 1980's.
ROMAN BRONZE AND IRON TOOLS
FROM A GROUP CARBON DATED TO 120 AD 8308. A ROMAN IRON HOE, c. 2nd century AD. The hoe with flanges for attachment. 5.3". Scarce.
Cf. Another lot from this collection was dated by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to 120 AD with a probable range of 80 AD - 160 AD. This was done using an innovative technique which measures the carbon isotope ratio of the trace carbon in the iron. This carbon comes from the wood used in the production of the iron which must be of essentially the same age as the tool itself. Results published in the journal, Radiocarbon, Summer 2001.
Provenance: A private American collection. Acquired from a US dealer in April, 1999.
FROM A GROUP CARBON DATED TO 120 AD 8309. HUGE ROMAN IRON ADZE, c. 1st-3rd century AD. The large heavy adze with a typical Roman reinforced socket and hammer on top. 12".
Cf. Another lot from this collection was dated by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to 120 AD with a probable range of 80 AD - 160 AD. This was done using an innovative technique which measures the carbon isotope ratio of the trace carbon in the iron. This carbon comes from the wood used in the production of the iron which must be of essentially the same age as the tool itself. Results published in the journal, Radiocarbon, Summer 2001.
Provenance: A private American collection. Acquired from a US dealer in April, 1999.
FROM A GROUP CARBON DATED TO 120 AD 8311. A ROMAN IRON SPUR, c. 1st-3rd century. The spur with cruel spike and two knobs for attachment. 2.5 x 3.3".
Cf. Another lot from this collection was dated by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to 120 AD with a probable range of 80 AD - 160 AD. This was done using an innovative technique which measures the carbon isotope ratio of the trace carbon in the iron. This carbon comes from the wood used in the production of the iron which must be of essentially the same age as the tool itself. Results published in the journal, Radiocarbon, Summer 2001.
Provenance: A private American collection. Acquired from a US dealer in April, 1999.
FROM A GROUP CARBON DATED TO 120 AD 8313. SAVAGE ROMAN IRON PIKE, c. 1st-3rd century. Deadly spiked weapon with twin attachment flanges. 10".
Cf. Another lot from this collection was dated by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to 120 AD with a probable range of 80 AD - 160 AD. This was done using an innovative technique which measures the carbon isotope ratio of the trace carbon in the iron. This carbon comes from the wood used in the production of the iron which must be of essentially the same age as the tool itself. Results published in the journal, Radiocarbon, Summer 2001.
Provenance: A private American collection. Acquired from a US dealer in April, 1999.
FROM A GROUP CARBON DATED TO 120 AD 8314. IMPORTANT ROMAN IRON SPRING LOADED HOOK, c. 1st-3rd century. Finely worked double hooked implement with double coiled middle that apparently served as a heavy spring, a very ingenious and advanced design that well demonstrates the advanced state of Roman technology. 2.8". Very intriguing and worthy of further study. An important Roman technology item. The only one I've seen.
Cf. Another lot from this collection was dated by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to 120 AD with a probable range of 80 AD - 160 AD. This was done using an innovative technique which measures the carbon isotope ratio of the trace carbon in the iron. This carbon comes from the wood used in the production of the iron which must be of essentially the same age as the tool itself. Results published in the journal, Radiocarbon, Summer 2001.
Provenance: A private American collection. Acquired from a US dealer in April, 1999.
OTHER ROMAN ANTIQUITIES & ARTIFACTS
8724. A ROMAN LEAD BULLA WITH INSCRIPTION, c. 1st-3rd century. The rectangular seal with vertical cord hole and a three line Latin inscription with most letters clear. 1.2 inches.
8151. TWO ROMAN BRONZE MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS, c. 1st-3rd century AD. One with a small angled disc with sharp edges, the other finely made with a large blade and engraved handle. To 6.5 inches. Provenance: A private Hungarian collection formed in the 1950's.
8018. ROMAN PERSONAL COSMETIC SET, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. The set consisting of ornamented tweezers and a pick on the original bronze ring with fastener. 2.75 inches from tip of fastener to tip of pick. Rare intact example.
