Ancient Roman, Empire Bone Very rare comb - Very rare ancient Roman bone comb with two Emperors - 13.1 cm
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Current bid
€ 250
Reserve price met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 400 - € 500
 | €250 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €240 | |
| €220 | |
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Very rare ancient Roman bone comb dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, with a detailed back relief showing two emperors, measuring 13.1 × 5.1 × 0.7 cm and weighing 40.53 g, in excellent excavated condition, authentic/original, acquired from Veilinghuis in the Netherlands in 2026 with a previous owner from a private collection dating back to 1982.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The image shows a very rare Roman comb, made from bone. This type of comb was in the Roman Empire not only a functional aid for personal hygiene, but often also served as a status icon or ritual object.
Key features:
Dimensions: (LxWxH) 13.1 x 5.1 x 0.7 cm
Weight: 40.53 g
Condition: excellent (excavated) condition / some teeth are fragile or missing (the comb comes from a private collection)
Material: Such combs were usually cut from animal bone or, for the richer class, from ivory.
Decoration: The comb features a detailed relief. Comparable specimens from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD often show military, mythological, ritual, or even erotic scenes.
Design: The top part of the comb (the back) is decorated with a detailed relief. (One emperor on the left, in the middle a piece of “text” and an emperor on the right). The bottom consists of a row of fine teeth.
Rarity: Authentic specimens from this period are considered very rare archaeological finds.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or DPD using Catawiki’s smart shipping.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as, a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
The image shows a very rare Roman comb, made from bone. This type of comb was in the Roman Empire not only a functional aid for personal hygiene, but often also served as a status icon or ritual object.
Key features:
Dimensions: (LxWxH) 13.1 x 5.1 x 0.7 cm
Weight: 40.53 g
Condition: excellent (excavated) condition / some teeth are fragile or missing (the comb comes from a private collection)
Material: Such combs were usually cut from animal bone or, for the richer class, from ivory.
Decoration: The comb features a detailed relief. Comparable specimens from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD often show military, mythological, ritual, or even erotic scenes.
Design: The top part of the comb (the back) is decorated with a detailed relief. (One emperor on the left, in the middle a piece of “text” and an emperor on the right). The bottom consists of a row of fine teeth.
Rarity: Authentic specimens from this period are considered very rare archaeological finds.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or DPD using Catawiki’s smart shipping.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as, a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1e t/m 3e eeuw
Name of object
Very rare comb - Very rare ancient Roman bone comb with two Emperors
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
13.1 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1982
Width
5.1 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Depth
0.7 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
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.
