Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Oil Lamp 1st to 3rd Century AD - 13.8 cm

Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Original Stopper and Chain – 1st to 3rd Century AD An exceptionally rare Roman bronze oil lamp dating to the 1st to 3rd Century AD, distinguished by the remarkable survival of its original bronze filling stopper and suspension chain, features that are almost always lost over the centuries. The lamp displays the classic rounded reservoir with a projecting nozzle, while the hinged handle is elegantly formed as a stylized bird’s head, a decorative motif frequently encountered on high-quality Roman bronze craftsmanship. The fitted stopper would have sealed the filling aperture, preventing oil from spilling during transport, while the attached chain ensured that the plug remained permanently connected to the lamp. Such complete examples are highly sought after by collectors, as the preservation of these original accessories is exceptionally uncommon. The piece exhibits an attractive archaeological surface with a rich dark olive patina, minor areas of ancient wear, and excellent overall preservation, making it a particularly desirable example of Roman domestic lighting equipment. Material: Bronze Dimensions: Length 13.8 cm Date: 1st to 3rd Century AD Provenance: From a Dutch private collection assembled during the 1980s. We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email. This item has been legally acquired in accordance with European law.

Estimate:$2,577.3

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