Coins, Tokens, Historical Medals and Antiquities

Roman, a bronze Chariot or Cart Fitting, 2nd-3rd cent. AD, 13.5cm x 8.5cm, modelled as a bust of a young man dressed in a paludamentum (a cloak fastened with a circular clasp at the right shoulder), the head moulded in the round with long hair brushed forward, looking straight ahead with large lentoid eyes, silver inlaid pupils and closed mouth, the bust set on a decorated plinth with flaming torches at each side and open at the back with semi-circular attachments, the base showing the remains of an iron nail for attachment. Excellent condition, smooth light green green patina £2,000-£2,400

Provenance: Gorny & Mosch Auktion 218 (Munich), 18 December 2013, lot 304.

The symbolism of the upright torch indicates the regenerative power of the flame, life and truth