A good-sized Roman gladiator oil lamp, c. 1st Century A.D.

A good-sized Roman gladiator oil lamp, c. 1st Century A.D.

Code: 2005

SOLD
Description: A good-sized gladiator oil lamp with round nozzle flanked by single volutes, fired dark grey, a resting or possibly vanquished gladiator wearing a crested helmet and holding a short sword with shield by his side moulded on the discus. A makers mark on the base, probably GABMERC, an Italian workshop active in the Late Flavian to Early Antonine period. Some surface wear, but complete, and otherwise undamaged.

Size: 110 mm/4.3 ins. in length

Culture: Roman

Date: c. 1st Century A.D.

Provenance: From the estate of a deceased London collector.

Background: The collector, who worked as a buyer for Fortnum and Mason, Piccadilly, London, built up a fine collection of coins and antiquities purchased from leading London dealers.