Roman steelyard weight

Bronze
Late 1st/early 2nd century AD
H. 10.85cm; W. 8cm; Weight: 1125g

A rare superb Roman bronze steelyard weight in form of the bust of a wrestler indicated by his cauliflower ears and broken nose. An exceptional portrait of a character, wearing a head cloth and a phallic necklace. The weight (1125g) corresponds to exactly 3,5 roman lb.

Cf. Franken, Aequipondia, Nr. A 164.

Condition: Suspension loop missing. Beautiful silky green patina.

Provenance: ex. Christie’s London, ex. Nancy Mallen Collection, London, 1972.

Item reference: CL0868