Ancient Roman

Ancient Roman Legionary Medical Instrument Collection From 5.7g-19.0g and 65.5mm - 170.50mm From a Private European Collection An exceptionally attractive collection of six Ancient Roman bronze instruments, comprising various probes, spatula-probes, spoon/scoop implements and a finely decorated pair of forceps or tweezers retaining its original sliding ring. The instruments are remarkably well preserved and display an appealing variety of dark brown, olive-green and reddish patinas. Several examples retain finely worked or incised decorative details. Comparable bronze instruments are generally interpreted as multifunctional implements associated with Roman medicine, pharmacy, personal hygiene and cosmetics. Probes and spatula-probes were used for examining and treating wounds as well as for preparing, mixing and applying medicines and ointments. Particularly noteworthy is the small pair of forceps/tweezers with its surviving original sliding ring, an unusual and desirable feature. Identification of the Individual pieces as follows: - Probe / surgical or pharmaceutical implement – tapering to a pointed end, with a thickened terminal. - Spoon-/scoop-probe – with an olive-shaped terminal at one end and a small spoon- or spatula-shaped scoop at the other. - Large spoon-/scoop-probe (ligula type) – a particularly attractive and visually striking example. - Large spatula-probe – with a broad, leaf-shaped spatula. - Spatula-probe / pharmaceutical implement – with a broad polygonal spatula, decorated with an incised cross-hatched pattern. - Forceps / tweezers with sliding ring – with a decorated body and the original sliding ring still preserved. Roman medical instruments are among the most fascinating survivals of everyday life in the Roman world. Their forms demonstrate a remarkable degree of specialization, with many designs remaining immediately recognizable as the predecessors of later medical and pharmaceutical instruments. A highly attractive and unusually varied group, displaying exceptionally well as a coherent collection. I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot. I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Estimate:$1,232.25

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