Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 10

Coin and Currency Auction

Antiquities

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2777		Flint Axe Blade of Neolithic Britain. England, c. 4th millenium BC. The elongated blade roughly biconvex, and fashioned of mottled deep gray flint. The stone rough knapped to shape, and then sharpened and finished with grinding and polishing. Intact -- the blade still sharp and usable. Length: 8-3/8". With old applied lable stating: "Found at Mills works, Church End, Finchlly. Nov 1905." A good example. Estimated Value $650 - 750. View details	Unsold
Lot 2778		A Sumerian Dedicatory Cone in Clay. City State of Isin, ca. 1953-1935 BC. Inscribed on a terra cotta cone, with rounded base, is a text by King Ishme-Dagan of Isin. The Cuneiform inscription is around the shaft of the cone, in two registers of equal length. The text states: "Ishme-Dagan, mighty man, King of Isin, King of the Four Quarters, when he cancelled the taxes of Nippur, the city beloved by Enlil, and excused its men from military service, he built the wall of the city of Isin, naming it Ishme-Dagan, the might of the great god." Complete and intact, and finely preserved. Length: 5-3/4". Fine and scarce, with a much more interesting text than average. Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,750. Clay cones were inscribed with dedicatory inscriptions and imbedded in the walls of various structures, usually temples, or, as the case here, the city's walls. View details	Realized $2,300
Lot 2779		An Administrative Tablet, Cuneiform Inscribed. Southern Mesopotamia, Old Babylonian Period, c. 1900-1700 BC. BC. The tablet in a pinkish-brown clay, complete, and written in ten lines. It lists nine men who either received, or delivered one sheep, and their supervisor. The tablet does not denote the purpose of this enumeration, nor is it dated, but it originates in southern Mesopotamia. Intact and in Extremely Fine condition, the characters are written in a bold, if somewhat provincial hand. A neat and pleasing example overall. Size: 1-3/8" x 1-3/16". Comes with full translation of text. Estimated Value $300 - 375. View details	Realized $460
Lot 2780		Elaborately-handled Short Sword. Iran, Luristan or Peripheral Caspian, c. 1000-700 BC. Sword's blade of lanceolate shape, having thickly raised midrib and flanked by very shallow channels servings as blood grooves -- this very typical for the blades found in the region. The figural handle of twin lion protomes comprising the pommel, a segmented and knobbed grip, along with stylized felines forming the hilt, is more reminiscent of metalwork from the zone of Neo-Assyrian influence. The handle somewhat cleaned but still with areas of pleasing green patina; the blade left with crusty green patina. Repair at junction of blade and handle, and trivial restoration to segment of blade's edge -- otherwise, nicely preserved overall. Length: 18". A flashy and appealing artifact for the lover of ancient military exotica. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,850. View details	Realized $1,323
Lot 2781		Jar Handle with King of Hebron's Seal. Israel, late 8th century BC. Fragment of a large storage jar, made of coarse gray ware, and containing the complete handle. The handle deeply impressed by a large oval seal bearing the king's device: suggestive of an X, a top view of an Egyptian scarab beetle displaying four wings. Above and below, a two line inscription in paleo-Hebrew characters: "Lmlkh Hbrn" ("Belonging to the King of Hebron"). Handle well preserved, the impression crisp and clean. The sealing remarkably complete, as it is more typical to encounter the seal only partially impressed. Heighth: 5-3/8". An exceptional speciman of Iron Age "Judaica." Rare. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details	Unsold
Lot 2782		Another Jar Handle with King of Hebron's Seal. Israel, late 8th century BC. An additional fragment, from the same jar as the preceding lot. On this the handle partially complete, but again deeply impressed by a large oval seal of the king's device: a top view of an Egyptian scarab beetle displaying four wings. Above and below, a two line inscription in paleo-Hebrew characters: "Lmlkh Hbrn" ("Belonging to the King of Hebron"). The impression sharp and clean! Likewise the sealing unusually complete, and much better than those usually encountered. Height: 3". Again, a choice speciman of Iron Age "Judaica." Rare. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200. View details	Unsold
Lot 2783		Stylish Bronze Alabastron, from Persian Era Israel. Judaea, c. 6th - Early 5th century BC. This slim cosmetic vessel derived from earlier Egyptian prototypes in carved stone. The bottle with narrow conical body, the base truncated to forma small flat foot. The neck constricted with wide everted rim -- this slightly rounded to make an easy applicator for the oils or scented contents within (anologous to the roll-on applicators today). Tab handles on either side, with low projecting fins below. Within each handle, remains of links from the chain handle that was once attached. Item intact and pristine, with pleasing medium green patina. Height: 3-3/4", on custom plexiglass stand. Cf. Petrie, Stone Vases, for alabastra with similar handles: no. 955 (6th century BC.); no. 959 (begining of Persian occupation); and no. 962, for applicator top. A simple yet elegant artifact. Scarce this nice. Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details	Unsold
Lot 2784		A Tenth Legion Floor Tile from Ancient Jerusalem. Israel, Late 1st - 2nd century AD. The tile, a paver, is fashioned from a gritty pinkish-biege clay and hard fired. A square of 7" on each side, and about 1-3/8" thick, the tile has impressed on its face a rectangular stamp with the letters "LEG X FR," for "Legio Decima Fretensis." The letters complete and clear, although the stamp was a bit weakly impressed at the center. The full tile nicely preserved. Decent examples are much more difficult to find these days. An important artifact for the Judaica or miltary collector. Estimated Value $975 - 1,250. Actually found in Jerusalem, the owner of this and the following two lots encountered a course of these tiles while performing some repairs and remodling to his basement. (There must be many more interesting basements scattered around the Holy City!). Stationed in Palestine and Syria, the Tenth Legion made up the forces that Vespasian employed in northern Israel during his campaignof 66 AD. Later, the legion comprised a good portion of the troops that destroyed Jerusalem under Titus. Three years later they completed the mopping up of the First Revolt when they captured Masada. Afterwards, the Tenth Legion became the official permanent garrison for the province of Judaea. Following the Bar Kochba revolt, the legion was stationed in Jerusalem (Aelia Capitolina) itself. In the early 1990's a major Tenth Legion site was discovered during excavations for a parking lot next to the National Auditorium in Jerusalem. At that time a number of like tiles came on to the market, but these have long since been dispersed. See: N. Avigad, Discovering Jerusalem, 1980, p. 206, figs. 2, 3, and 4. View details	Realized $1,438
Lot 2785		Another Tenth Legion Floor Tile from Ancient Jerusalem. Israel, Late 1st - 2nd century AD. This tile like that in the preceding lot. A square of about 7" on each side, and 1-3/4" thick, but this in a more tan colored clay. Impressed on its face a rectangular stamp with the letters "LEG X FR," for "Legio Decima Fretensis." The letters complete, although the stamping is somewhat weak or worn at the center. The full tile nicely preserved. Again, an important collectible for the Judaica or miltary collector. Estimated Value $675 - 950. View details	Realized $633
Lot 2786		A last Tenth Legion Floor Tile from Ancient Jerusalem. Israel, Late 1st - 2nd century AD. A good sized fragment of the tiles seen in the preceding lots. A roughly triangular piece of about 5" on the longest sides, and 1-1/4" thick. This tile in a red-orange clay. Impressed on its face a rectangular stamp with the letters "LEG X FR," for "Legio Decima Fretensis," the letters are three quarters complete, and fully legible. A bargain example of this historic artifact. Estimated Value $400 - 475. View details	Realized $334
Lot 2787		Important Judaic Ceramic Lamp with Menorah Motifs. Arab-Byzantine Era Palestine, c. 7th-9th century. Rare and noteworthy. So-called "slipper" lamp, for its shape, is molded in two pieces in a red-orange terra cotta. The underside of the lamp plain, the shoulders ornamented, a plain trough-like channel connects the wick and filling holes. As typical of this class, the decorative motifs are symmetrically placed: towards the nozzel, a long palm branch; at the knob handle a small tree or branch. Flanking these on either side are two menorahs, plus rectangular grids, suggesting walls or panels. The lamp virtually pristine, with thin, cleanable calcerous patina. Length: 3-1/2". Estimated Value $1,500-UP. Usually in this class of lamps, menorah-like motifs are found but are very crude, and can with equal likelihood depict tree or floral subjects, rather than the menorahs as some attest them to be. On the above lamp, however, the menorahs are clear and explicit. In fact, two varieties are shown. One, the normal type with six arms flanking the central arm, is as expected. However, the second, without a doubt shows eight arms and is thus a Hannukah lamp! Taken overall, the motifs around the lamp's shoulders can be considered an emblematic representation of a synagogue or temple. And so, an important object of early Judaica. View details	Realized $2,013
Lot 2788		A Fine Faience Bead, with Twin Eyes of Horus. Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 1075-664 BC. The bead barrel-shaped, well molded, with an excellent, richly colored turquoise blue glaze. The design is replicated on each half of the bead, with one being the mirror image of the other. Each side with an udjat, the Sacred Eye of the Egyptian god, Horus. The brows and pupils with added black glaze. Dividing the the two eyes, a pair of leaf shapes with herringbone pattern. But for trivial edge chip, the bead intact and choice, the glaze fine and glossy. Lenghth: 1-1/4". Excellent example of the type, which is scarce, and even more so in this condition. In the marketplace, over the past decade, prices on boldly colored faience amulets and objects have been rising steadily. Added to this is the market for exotic and unusual beads by a growing collector base. Desirable! Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details	Unsold
Lot 2789		Good-sized Amulet of Horus, Isis, and Nepthys. Egypt, Late Dynastic, c. 550-350 BC. The young Horus stands frontal, flanked by and holding hands with his mother, Isis, and aunt, Nepthys. Each goddes in long dress, with lappet wig, and each wearing a different symbolic headdress. Horus with solar disc above his head. They stand on rectangular base, against rectangular backing. Grooved loop at top for suspension. The faience amulet repaired across legs, with minor restoration at lower left corner. The green to slightly olive-tinged glaze glossy and beautifully preserved. Height: 1-7/8". Boldly detailed, and larger than usually encountered for this type of amulet. Estimated Value $600 - 725. View details	Realized $575
Lot 2790		Colorfully Glazed Faience Ushabti. Egypt, Late Dynastic, c. 450-350 BC. Probably XXXth Dynasty. Ushabti of mummiform shape, standing with arms crossed, holding adze and hoe. Figure with lappet wig, beard on chin, and swathed in Osirid-like garments. Ushabti with inscriptions in panel runnining vertically down the front of the legs. The artifact in choice condition, the colorful turquoise to blue-green glaze very pleasing. Height: 4-1/4"; mounted on black-colored base. A pleasing example of this popular Egyptian antiquity. Estimated Value $525 - 675. View details	Realized $437
Lot 2791		Another Colorfully Glazed Faience Ushabti. Egypt, Late Dynastic, c. 450-350 BC. XXxth Dynasty. Ushabti of mummiform shape, standing with arms crossed, holding adze and hoe, plus a seed bag thrown over one shoulder. Figure with lappet wig, beard on chin, and swathed in Osirid-like garments. Ushabti with two lines of inscriptions, in two panels: one across, horizantally, underneath the arms, the second runnining vertically down the front of the legs. The artifact in choice condition, the colorful turquoise glaze even and attractive. Height: 4-1/4"; mounted on black-colored base. A excellent example of this popular Egyptian antiquity, with bold, sharply modelled facial details. Estimated Value $550 - 675. View details	Realized $661
Lot 2792		Sizeable Hieratic Text, on Linen, from a Mummy's Wrapping. Egypt, Late Dynastic - Ptolemaic Period, c. 500-100 BC. On a strip of somewhat coarsely woven linen, running along its length two parallel lines of hieratic script are inked in. Hieratic was simplified, one can almost say a shorthand, version of the Egyptian hieroglyphs developed by the scribes to enable their pictographic form of writing to be jotted down with a speed not possible earlier. Done by a neat hand, the text is quite legible, even stylish. Said to have been among a mummy's wrappings, the now brown linen with a few modest stains and one hole in a portion of the cloth. Overall, however, the linen well preserved and the text extremely clear. Length: 41". A notable artifact, and choice. Such extensive texts rarely appear on the market these days, and this is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed. Estimated Value $1,750-UP. View details	Realized $1,380
Lot 2793		A Rare Silver Amulet of Harpocrates. Egypt, Late Period-Ptolemaic, c. 650-300 BC. The child Horus, son of Osiris and Isis, is represented in tradional Egyptian fashion -- nude and with arms held rigidly at side. His head is shorn, but for a child's sidelock of hair. He also wears the royal crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, plus a beaded broad collar. A small rectangular base contains his feet. Grooved loop at back for suspension. Intact, with only light wear, the details clear and wholly legible. With deep gray-brown "find" patina. Height: 1-7/8"; in old black lacquered wood mount. Although small, the object fully retains the monumental feeling of much larger Egyptian works. Choice and rare -- quality survivals of amulets in silver is actually rarer than that for gold. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. The traditional features, constently realized on the piece, along with the absense of any foreign or classicizing elements, strongly suggests an earlier date for the amulet, rather than later -- perhaps even XXVI Dynasty. View details	Unsold
Lot 2794		A Rare and Fine Pantheistic Harpocrates Amulet in Silver. Late Helleistic Egypt, 1st century BC. Greco-Roman Egypt, Late 1st century BC. - 1st century AD. The child aspect of the Egyptian god, Horus, merged with that of Eros/Cupid. The figure modeled along the lines of the Hellenistic erote, with the child's figure plump and rounded, almost feminine in appearance. As per Egyptian traditions, the god holds his finger to his mouth to indicate his youthfulness, and wears the royal double crown. Aside from Cupid's attribute of the arrow-filled quiver, the god holds the cornucopia of Tyche, and wears the panther skin of Dionysus. The figure finely modeled and detailed, with suspension loop at back. Aside from losses to the feet and the tips of the wings, the silver nicely preserved for finds from this area. Height: 1-1/2"; mounted on stand. Rare! Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Harpokrates, the child of Isis and Osiris, was often conflated with the Greek Eros (or Roman Cupid) during this period as a harbinger as abundance. In this example, that concept is further reinforced by the cornucopia of Tyche. The attribute of Dionysus added further spiritual nauances to those already covered by the three other deities. View details	Unsold
Lot 2795		A Boldly Colored Carving of Horus as a Falcon. Roman Egypt, 2nd-4th century AD. Carved in the round in wood, and then gessoed and painted, the god stands on a rectangular base. The bird of traditional form, facing front, wings tight against the body, and wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. The bird's anatomical details rendered as raised stylized patterns, and richly colored: its head feathers and feet painted in black, the crown in green and dark red, tail in green, and the wings and body in browns, dark reds, and ochres. The base motifs in dark red and green. Exceptionally preserved, with only minor touch-up or restoration. Height: 8-7/8". A colorful and desirable objet d'art. Estimated Value $3,500-UP. View details	Unsold
Lot 2796		Large and Impressive "Spectacle" Fibula. Celtic Eastern Europe, c. 8th century BC. Simply, yet ingeniously contrived from one length of copper or bronze heavy wire that has been wound to form the face plate, catch, and pin of a large garment fastener. The "spectacle" is comprised of two spiral discs, one forming the base of the pin and the other the base for the catch, and joined by a figure eight loop. Intact and perfect, with very good original green "find" patina, with some slight iron deposits. Width: 8-1/4". A choice and elegant object, exemplifying how 'modern' looking an antiquity can sometimes be. Rare for the pin being in perfect working order, as they are frequently missing, repaired, or fragmentary. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,800. Similar fibulae have been found in all parts of the Greek world, and along the peripheries. The material has been discussed in J. Alexander, "The Spectacle Fibulae of Southern Europe," AJA, Vol 69, 1965, p. 5ff. View details	Unsold
Lot 2797		A Greek Protome bust of a Goddess, Archaic Period. Sicily, late 6th century BC. A female head from a votive bust or revetment. The fragment is molded in a moderately fine-grained micaceous clay of orange-tan color. She is veiled, with sharply angled almond-shaped eyes enlivening her plumpish face. A hole at the top of her head is provided for nailing to a surface. Head with moderate wear. Height: 6-1/8". A pleasant and affordable Greek sculpture of good size. Her sweet, archaic smile eye-catching. Estimated Value $475 - 600. View details	Realized $575
Lot 2798		Another Greek Protome Bust of a Goddess of the Archaic Period. Sicily, end 6th - early 5th century B. A female bust, the head turned slightly down, is molded in a moderately fine-grained micaceous clay of creme-tan color. She is veiled, with a fringe of tightly curled ringlets framing her plumpish face. There is a hole at the top of her head for nailing to a surface. A spall in the clay at her neck, otherwise piece intact with moderate wear, and some easily cleanable dirt. Height: 6-5/8". An affordable Greek sculpture of decent size and quality. Estimated Value $650 - 750. View details	Realized $748
Lot 2799		A Rare and Important Group of Greek Gilded Silver Roundels. Greece, possibly Macedon, Mid-4th - Early 3rd century BC. Lot of five roundels, circular and shield-like in appearance, with raised convex faces, encircled by a recessed flange. The roundels each with a single ornamental device, worked en repoussè and chased. Four have variations on a six point star -- each with central round boss, and the rays ranging from thin, to thick rays, and ribbed rays to petal-like rays. The last roundel with a combination of four ribbed rays, of cruciform shape, atop a rose of four petals. On the reverses, two narrow bands of hammered silver sheet are crossed and riveted to the edges to allow the pieces to be slipped onto a belt or strap. Three pieces have these complete, but missing on the "rose" example, and one of the stars shows a loss of one of the bands. Roundels overall Very Fine, or better, with most of the gilding complete. The "rose" a little chipped and bent, with more of the silver visible. Average Diameter: 3". Important and rare! A very affordable group of historical Greek silver. Estimated Value $1,750-UP. These pieces may be compared to the metalwork discovered in the royal tomb at Vergina, Macedon. and thought to be that of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. The frequent appearance on artifacts retrieved from the excavations would seem to indicate that this type of star may have been a royal ensign. It was said that these pieces were part of the accoutrements on a soldier's armament. They could well work as such, but more likely these were ornaments to a horse's trappings. But as an aside to that possibilty, ownership and maintenance of a horse by a soldier in ancient Greece would also indicate that the person was one of some affluence and social status. This, along with the possible cachè of "royal" because of the motif on the pieces, can suggest that the owner of these was attached to the guard or calvery of one of the kings of Macedon. View details	Realized $1,438
Lot 2800		A Splendid Sheep's Head Rhyton. Magna Graecia, Apulia, c. 350-320 BC. The drinking vessel shaped with trumpet-like neck and rim, flattened strap handle, and the bottom naturalistically modeled as a sheep's head. Rhyton potted from a fine grained pinkish-tan ware, and glazed with a tan-orange slip. Minor chipping to the tips of the hanimal's horns, otherwise intact and exceptionally preserved. Length: 7-1/4". A delightful work of art. Estimated Value $3,250 - 4,250. Apulian rhyta in the form of aniaml heads -- deer, bulls, rams, sheep, and goats, etc., were produced in both the elaborate red figure manner, or with simpler undecorated slips, such as the above vessel. Some were true rhyta, with a hole in the animal's mouth for the passage of wine. Others, as seen here, lack a pouring hole. For other plain-glazed sheep's head rhyta, cf. H. Hoffmann, Tarentine Rhyta, Mainz 1966, pls. XXI, 1; LV, 4, & 7. View details	Realized $2,645
Lot 2801		Colorful and Detailed Gnathian Epichysis. Magna Graecia, Apulia, c. 330 BC. This class of bottle or juglet bears the consistant traits of a narrow neck, a thin beak-like spout, and high strap handle. Potted from a fine grained pinkish ware, it is covered with a slightly silvery, black glaze, with applied designs on the body in red, white, and yellow. The ornament in three bands: a stylized laurel wreath with central rosette; a band of chevron-filled zigzags; and a band of floral scrolls. These bordered top and bottom with bands of tongues. At the juncture of handle and spout are molded two small female masks. Slight repairs to handle and spout, otherwise bottle intact and pristine. Height: 7-1/8". A lovely example of this class of ornate bottle. Estimated Value $950 - 1,250. View details	Realized $1,208
Lot 2802		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 2803		A Splendid Eros in Terra Cotta. Magna Graecia, probably Tarentum, 3rd-2nd century BC. The figure of the youthful god of love (and lust), is both artful and dynamic. Comprised of both molded and hand modeled components, he flies forward, his head cocked to one side, his hand out and holding a now missing object. His legs are set as if he is striding along with an insouscient air. Emphasizing his pose, the cloak draped about him is an orchestration of folds and swirls. Fashioned from a deep red-brown clay, the figure retains much of the white slip, and a bit of the red paint that decorated him. An old collection number can be seen inked in on the back. Height: 4-7/8". Some modest repairs and restoration, mainly at the wings. Otherwise, the figure in choice condition -- the crispness of the molded and modelled face, along with the hand tooled hair, all retain their vivacity after more than two millennia! Very appealing Hellenistic art. Estimated Value $1,250-UP. View details	Realized $920
Lot 2804		Superbly Patinated Bronze of a Youthful Herakles. Etruscan or Italiote, late 5th-4th century BC. Herakles modeled as a youth, nude, with hair in relatively short ringlets and lacking a beard. Overall the figure is slim, the musculature on the torso soft and rounded, and sensitively modeled. He holds an object in his left hand, likely a snake (fragmentary) which he is about to club (missing) with his raised right hand. Draped over his left arm, the pelt of the Nemean lion. Left foot also absent, otherwise bronze splendidly preserved with a marvelous green patina. Comes with custom plexiglass stand. Height: 4-1/8". Cf. Adam, Bronzes Etrusques et Itailques (Bibliothèque Nationale), p. 184, no. 279. A fine example of this subject which was particularly popular with the Etruscans. Estimated Value $1,850-UP. View details	Unsold
Lot 2805		A Superb Balsamarium or Cosmetic Pot in Bronze, in the form of a Comedic Mask. Greco-Roman, 1st century BC - 1st century AD. The small vessel, roughly globular, is modeled in the round as the mask of a cunning and manipulative slave, a character made popular in the bawdy Athenian "New Comedies." The face very expressive, with glaring eyes, furrowed brows, short nose and wide gaping mouth. The mask's wig full and rounded, the hair depicted as tightly matted. Twined around the head a sinuous wreath of grapes and vines. The rim of the vessel with "dog tooth" edging, slightly turned out. There is a very small projecting foot at the bottom. This along with the two ribbons from the wreath form a shallow tripod base to the pot. Balsumarium choicely preserved, with very pleasing deep green and black patina. Something different -- a bronze with an attitude and a look! Estimated Value $1,850-UP. View details	Realized $1,725
Lot 2806		A Masterful Bronze Statuette of Jupiter. Roman, 1st-2nd century AD. The god stands with left leg slightly flexed, his weight on the right, with torso slightly twisted and head partially turned to the side. The cloak draped long his left side further emphasizes the Praxiliteian s-curve to his pose. His figure is robust and mature, the muscles on the torso strongly defined, and his beard long and full. His accoutrements include the large-leafed wreath on his head, and the thunderbolt (fulmen) in his right hand. The raised left hand once held a scepter, now missing. Left foot also missing, otherwise sculpture in choice condition, with fine, glossy olive and light green patina. Height: 3-3/4"; with custom stand. A quality work of art! Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000. This statuette of Jupiter may ultimately be based on a Greek cult statue of Zeus from the 5th century BC. For other bronzes of this type, cf. LIMC VIII, 430-31, pls. 252, nos. 274, 275. View details	Unsold
Lot 2807		Impressively Sculpted Applique of a Ram's Head, in Bronze. 1st-2nd century AD. The appliqué, probably from a vessel or cauldron, boldly and naturalistically modeled. The ram with expressive eyes and richly curling mane, is displayed frontally and in high relief -- to the point where it could have functioned as a handle. Intact and in choice condition, with excellent deep emerald patina, with touches of black. Height: 2-3/8". Outstanding Roman art! Estimated Value $1,450 - 1,850. View details	Realized $1,265
Lot 2808		An Interesting Pendant/Charm of Grotesque Head. Roman, 1st-2nd century AD. Carved from a narrow, slightly curved piece of creme-tan limestone or calcite, the pendant caricatures a man's profile. The head small and bald, the eyes squinty and frowning, the bony jaw with a twisted and sniveling mouth. All this, plus the dominating prow of a nose. The top of the head pierced to hold a gold cap and loop. The nose and ear also pierced, and which may have held further pendants or dangling rings. Limestone shows moderate wear to the highpoints, but overall the pendant is well preserved. Height: 1-1/4". A fascinating and unusual miniature. Said to have been found in Egypt. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. The grotesque, an extremely popular theme among cosmopolitan Alexandrians, was thought to be an effective charm against the evil eye. View details	Unsold
Lot 2809		A Roman Inscribed Funerary Plaque, in Marble. AD. Roman Western Europe, 4th-5th century AD. The smallish plaque carved from creme marble with gray veining. A three line inscription, in Latin, occupies the upper third of the stone: TINIA C F PRISCA / COMMVNIS / EXOCHE". "(here is buried) Titinia Prisca, daughter of G(aius), together with Exoche(?)." Size: 7-3/4" x 14-1/2"; set into custom frame. A simple but pleasing artifact. From an English collection. Scarce. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. The size of this plaque suggests that it was an employed in a columbarium, an above ground crypt-like burial system which took its name from its resemblance to dovecotes. View details	Unsold
Lot 2810		A Lengthily Inscribed Funerary Plaque, in Marble. AD. Roman Asia Minor, 4th-5th century AD. The plaque carved from a block of quality white-creme marble of moderately large grain. It is entirely covered by a neatly carved seven line inscription in Greek, stating: "Tomb of the blessed and great Doxasia, daughter of Dora, these resting bones in soul, and in god and the mystery of death, and in the hour of judgement, that no one will remove from here, neither the remnents, nor would he separate the bones from me." From a very sheltered monument, as the marble shows only modest weathering. Overall, crisp and easily readable. Size: 11-1/4" x 17-7/8"; with custom base. A quality artifact for those collectors of inscribed works. From an Israeli collection. Scarce. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. Although there is no explicit reference to Christianity, the deceased or her family clearly believed in an afterlife and a final judgement. Thus, they would have been participants in a monotheistic mystery religion. Also of note is the absence of a father's name in the inscription. It would appear that the mother, whether widowed or single, would have to have been a woman of some substance and status to afford such a tombstone for her daughter. View details	Unsold
Lot 2811		A Fine Erotic Roman Lamp. Roman Italy, 1st century AD. The lamp of discus type, without handle, but with elongated nozzel flanked by volutes. Within the large circular discus, a scene of a man and a woman engaged in sensual delights -- the man grasps her foot and raises her leg high. Also clearly indicated is the bed: with patterned bedding, a bolster-like pillow, and elaborately turned legs on the bed frame. On the base of the lamp is slightly raised maker's mark, looking like a ligature of a P and a C. Lamp intact and shows some moderate wear to the orange-brown glaze, mostly at the nozzel. The molded design is bold and the art quite good. Length: 4-1/4". For this motif, cf. BMC, Lamps, Q922. A very fine example, and absolutely genuine! Estimated Value $600 - 750. View details	Realized $748
Lot 2812		Another Quality Erotic Roman Lamp. Roman Tunisia, 1st-2nd century AD. This lamp also of discus type, but with grooved ring handle, and short ovate nozzel. The scene here a variant on the preceding lamp. The man and the woman share close eye to eye contact, as he is about slip between her legs. The bed also different here -- more like a low divan, with raised board at the head, and very short turned legs. Base of the lamp is impressed with uncertain maker's mark. Lamp intact and nearly pristine, with only minor weathering to the red and brown slip. The art large and good, if a bit softly molded. Length: 4-3/8". Again, another fine example. Estimated Value $650 - 750. View details	Realized $748
Lot 2813		A Fine Early Severan Head Vase. North Africa, c. 200 AD. Molded in two halves, this thick-walled, robust vessel is fashioned from a moderately coarse buff ware, and covered with a creme-orange slip. Vase with short oval neck and spout, and single strap handle at back. Molded in the form of a woman's head, her features bold treated, but the detailing careful -- especially notable in the finely rendered hairdo. The hair arranged in the then contemporary fashion of rather tightly curled waves over the top and sides, and flattish, layered bun at the back. This is precisely the hairdo seen on the coins of Julia Domna up to around 210 AD. Considering the profile of the face seen on the vessel, and the shape of the nose, her portrait is likely intended here. Minor repair to handle, otherwise vase intact and finely preserved. Height: 8-3/8". Scarce, and choice. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,200. View details	Unsold
Lot 2814		Gold Fertility Figure of Venus/Astarte. Roman Near East, 2nd-4th century AD. The gold pendant comprised of two sheets of gold, and integral loop. Joined together by folding the front's edges over the back, it is strengthend by a hard filling substance within -- to give the piece solidity without adding extra gold weight. The figure that of Venus/Astarte, a Hellenized form of the Near East's most ancient goddess of love and fertility. The goddess stands frontal on a short dais. Clasping her breasts and raising one leg slightly to display her enlarged and boldly delineated pudenda, she stands naked but for a belt or girdle, with distinctive knot at center, which encircles her waist. Intact and pristine. Height: 2-1/2". Rare! Large, lightweight gold amulets, such as this, rarely survive from antiquity. If, on the one hand, they were not crushed or damaged from the weight of compressing earth over the centuries, then random finders would usually quickly reduce them to melted gold, a form more suitable to their modern day needs. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. View details	Unsold
Lot 2815		Lot of Two Fine Figural Fragments from Roman Red Ware Trays. North African, 4th-5th century AD. Probably from Carthage. Lot of two pieces from different serving trays of rectangular shape, with molded decorations on the raised, pedastle-like base. The largest fragment, of three recomposed pieces, shows a procession of three men and three woman, all in ornate fringed and paterned garments. One female holds a patera, while a man and a woman holds an item of fish-like shape (a basket?). At either end, partial figures of a flute player and one holding a helmet. Along with the molded designs, impressed rosettes in the field. The second piece, smaller, and with raised, molded design only. This with an intriguing scene. Within a rectangular section bordered by pillars, a woman(?) in chiton and bound hair, kneels left, one hand tipping a balance, a wide-mouthed vessel below. At left, a bearded man, wearing cap and short tunic, sits three quarters to the right on elaborate chair and regards her. He has sheathed sword resting on lap; horse protome above his shoulder. Beneath balance, raised inscription in Greek: KIPKH, "Circe." This perhaps a scene of Ullyses' encounter with the sorceress? Fragments well preserved and of much more interest than typically encountered. Lengths: 8-1/2"; 4-1/2". Scarce this nice; the latter motif rare. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $368
Lot 2816		Another Group of Fine Figural Fragments from Roman Red Ware Vessels. North African, 5th century. Probably from Carthage. Lot of four pieces, all but one with mythological motifs. Two pieces, again, from a large rectangular serving dish: one showing a draped and veiled woman leading a naked young child up to a centaur to the right, who holds a staff, and has one hand raised; the second with perhaps a satyr, in heavily patterned short tunic, and playing a large pan-pipes to the goat-footed Pan, who dances at the left. Also, a rim from a large tray: a male figure in long tunic holds cup(?) and cross-like object (thyrsus?), with short column, topped by ornate capital, occupying the corner. Last, a section of bowl with molded and applied fish. All well preserved, with strong, legible designs. Widths: 2-1/4" - 3-1/4". Lot of 4 pieces. Good dealer lot. Estimated Value $400 - 475. View details	Unsold
Lot 2817		A Fine Christian Lamp from Carthage. North Africa, 5th century AD. Molded in a red-glazed red ware, the lamp with circular body and extended trough-like nozzel. Centered within the sunk central discus, a large Chi-Rho, the sacred monogram, with ornate interior patterning. Similar decoration comprised of alternating Chi-Rho roundels and patterned squares border the emblem along the lamp's shoulders. Lamp with tab handle, and slightly raised circular foot underneath. Slight chip to the handle, the nozzel a bit soot-stained from use. Otherwise the lamp in choice condition, with the designs crisply molded. Length: 5-1/2". For another related example, cf. A. Ennabli, Lampes Chrétiennes de Tunisie, no. 1042, but Chi-Rho retrograde. Choice! Estimated Value $375 - 475. View details	Realized $345
Lot 2818		A Lot of Seven Medical or Medicinal, or Cosmetic Implements in Bronze. Roman, 2nd-5th century AD. The group comprises a varied assortment of shapes. One certainly a cosmetic applicator -- long and simple, with ovate-shaped end at one side, the other end decorated with circular ribbed ornament. In addition there are four spoons with probe/applicator ends. The spoon's bowls each of different size or shape, along with three having molded decoration on the handle. Another item has a rather arrowhead-like end that may have been a form of lancet or scalpel -- if so, unused, as the blade has not been sharpened. The last an applicator/spatula, the blade end ornately shaped. All well preserved, with varying brown or green patinas. Lengths: 4-3/4" - 6-3/4". An pleasing assortment. Estimated Value $650 - 850. View details	Unsold
Lot 2819		A Lot of Six Medical or Medicinal Implements in Bronze. Roman, 2nd-5th century AD. Group comprises a varied assortment of shapes and types. Two are probes or applicators -- one long and simple, with each with ovate-shaped end a different size; the other shorter and symmetrical, with central "handle" of geometric mouldings. Two more probe/applicators, but the rounded and rectangular ends could likewise have served as spatulas. Another item is short, one end of olivary form, the other rather arrowhead-like (slightly chipped) that may have been a form of lancet. The last piece a simple form of scalpel. All well preserved, with varying brown or green patinas. Lengths: 3-3/8" - 7-3/4". An interesing general assortment. Estimated Value $650 - 800. View details	Realized $460
Lot 2820		Another Lot of Seven Medical or Medicinal, or Cosmetic Implements in Bronze. Roman to Byzantine, 2nd-10th century AD. The group mostly larger pieces and some unusual shapes. Included are three spoons of different dates. The spoon's bowls each of different size or shape, along with two having molded decoration on the handle, and the largest and latest with arabesque-like decoration on the exterior. Another item seems to be a form of scoop, with narrow, elongated bowl. Also an applicator/spatula, the blade end narrow; and another "spatula" with circular blade. Lastly, a scalpel, the blade thin from use, with twisted "grip" at base of blade. All well preserved, with varying brown or green patinas. Lengths: 4-1/4" - 6-1/2". An interesting assortment of better items. Estimated Value $700 - 850. View details	Unsold
Lot 2821		A Simple but Elegant Child's Fibula in Gold. Roman Thrace, 1st-2nd century AD. The fibula, wrought from a single bar of gold, is the epitome of simplicity and economy. At one end the gold is twisted and tapered to become the pin, in the middle it is flattened and bowed for strength, and as it again tapers to the decorative finial, the catch is drawn out and worked up. An ornamental wave pattern is chiseled along the "bow." Intact and perfect. Length: 1-1/8". Estimated Value $425 - 575. View details	Realized $748
Lot 2822		A Choice Roundel in Bronze with the Head of Pan. Roman Thrace, 2nd-3rd century AD. The roundel, or perhaps a phalera, in cast and lathe-turned bronze, with the central head fashioned in bold relief. The head of Pan, broad, with stylized modelling, displays a full beard and thick hair, all in tightly curled locks. His expression aloof and impassive, bordering on the stern. Two strongly arched sheep's horns rise above his pointed, animal ears. The eyes are deeply sunk, along with a textured channel carved across the forehead -- indicating these were once inlaid, likely with silver. After the casting had been detailed and finished, the circular backing was lathe-turned to the even, gently swelling round shape presently seen. But for a few edge chips, the piece virtually pristine, with a superb, smooth dark green-olive patina. The piece may have once adorned a vessel or metal chest, or even may have been the center piece of soldier's cuirass -- the lead filling within the piece certainly adding strength to it. Diameter: 2-3/8"; on custom lucite base. An eye catching object! Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details	Realized $1,265
Lot 2823		An Attractive Figural Bronze of a Sylvan God. Roman Thrace, 2nd-3rd century AD. Perhaps a satyr, or a woodland or river demigod, he stands, legs apart, bent over his forward thrusting leg and holding an object now missing from his hands. The figure is nude and slimly proportioned, but his hair and beard are richly and elaborated curled, and expansive. As another indication of his "wild" nature, he is depicted as hairsuit, with long locks of hair chiseled along his back and thighs. One hand is missing, and only the remains of the object he holds is still in the other hand -- perhaps a serpent? But for the minor losses, the sculpture in choice condition, with thin green patina, with occasional patches of dark red. Height: 3-1/2". A handsome and intriguing work of art. Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,550. View details	Realized $1,323
Lot 2824		An Unusual Bust of a Barbarian Youth, in Bronze. Roman Thrace, 2nd-3rd century AD. Hollow cast bust, with solid head, a fitting for a chest or furniture. The youth, unbearded, is portrayed frontal with his head barely turned to the left. His chest is bare, but for being draped by a heavy pendant necklace. The youth's hair is arranged into eight parallel rows of waved hair. At the back this is bound into a thick, folded over braid, reminiscent of the earlier hairstyles of Antonia and Agrippina. Two sizable rings for attachment at the youth's shoulders. Piece exceptionally preserved with a choice smooth, dark green patina. Height: 3"; Width: 3-1/4". A bold and appealing portrayal. Ethnic depictions of this sort are surprisingly uncommon even at this time in a hinterland where intrusions from "foreign migrants" were becoming more insistent. Estimated Value $1,450 - 1,650. View details	Unsold
Lot 2825		A Stylish, Provincial Roman Head of a Youth, in Bronze. Roman Thrace, 2nd-3rd century AD. Hollow cast, the plumpish, roundly modeled head perhaps a fitting, or from a composite sculpture. The youth unbearded, and his hair arranged as concentric rows of locks, radiating out from the top of his head, along with a double row of tight curls framing his temples and forehead. The pupils of his eyes pierced. At the top of his head, a squarish hole, perhaps for attachment, or for the tenon of a sepreately applied hat or other attribute. A smaller attchment hole at back of neck. Intact with minimal wear, and with a mottled green, olive, and black patina. Height: 2-1/8". Pleasing provincial work. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details	Realized $311
Lot 2826		Interesting "Mystery" Plaque, in Lead, from the Lower Danubian Area, or Thrace. 2nd-3rd century AD. The dominant motif of this detailed cast roundel is the large central female figure facing, standing behind a tripod table on which rests a fish. She wears a pleated short chiton and holds in her hands a serpent(?), or perhaps a a length of cord. Flanking on either side in profile, two rider gods, perhaps meant to be the Dioscuri, who each trod a fallen figure below. Above and flanking, are facing busts of Sol and Selene (the Sun and the Moon, the pair equating to "eternity"), and a serpent above each. In the exergue, a Cupid(?) figure and an animal (boar?) flank a central kantharos, and beneath, three horse shoes. The whole encircled by a border of beading and tongues. Sharply preserved, with a thin gray and brown patina. Diameter: 2-1/4". A fascinating glimpse here of little understood mythologies. Scarce. Estimated Value $325 - 450. View details	Realized $230

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