Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Lamp - 13.8 cm - Roman lamps
09
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Current bid
€ 500
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,800 - € 2,500
 | €500 | |
|---|---|---|
| €480 | |
| €460 | |
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Roman bronze oil lamp dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, in excellent condition with its original stopper and suspension chain, measuring 13.8 cm high, 7.5 cm wide and 7.2 cm deep, weighing 315.8 g, in working order, titled Roman LUCERNÆ, provenance from a Dutch private collection.
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Description from the seller
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.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
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.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Era
Before 1400
Title additional information
Roman lamps
Century/timeframe
1st to 3rd Century AD
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Country of origin
Unknown
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Style
Antique
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
In working order
Yes
Height
13.8 cm
Width
7.5 cm
Depth
7.2 cm
Weight
315.8 g
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
