Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Mace from a large Heracles statue with a lion's head. Ex-Gorny& Mosch - 79 mm
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Current bid
€ 2
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 400 - € 500
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 | €1 |
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Roman bronze club in the form of a large Herakles statue’s lion-headed handle, dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, measuring 79 × 13 × 14 mm, in excellent condition with a dark-green patina, authentic Ex-Gorny & Mosch piece acquired in 2026 from a German auction house.
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Description from the seller
Roman Bronze Object in the Form of a Mace with an Animal Head
Roman bronze object in the form of a mace, Roman Imperial period, 1st–3rd century AD, possibly part of a larger Herakles statue or the handle of a device.
The elongated, somewhat irregular shaft is characterized as a mace by plastically protruding, knot-like thickenings. Such maces are among the most important attributes of Heracles (Roman Hercules) and regularly appear in small bronze statues of the god.
Particularly noteworthy is the sculpted upper end. It shows a stylized animal head with large circular eyes, an opened mouth, and lateral openings. A robust, profiled bead separates the head from the shaft.
The bronze possesses an attractive, naturally developed dark green to greenish patina.
Culture: Roman
Dating: Roman Imperial period, 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 79 × 13 × 14 mm
Condition:
Bottom end broken in antiquity; otherwise present and intact.
Provenance:
Purchased in 2026 at the German art trade, previously since before 2000 in private collection H. L., Rhineland
The invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Roman Bronze Object in the Form of a Mace with an Animal Head
Roman bronze object in the form of a mace, Roman Imperial period, 1st–3rd century AD, possibly part of a larger Herakles statue or the handle of a device.
The elongated, somewhat irregular shaft is characterized as a mace by plastically protruding, knot-like thickenings. Such maces are among the most important attributes of Heracles (Roman Hercules) and regularly appear in small bronze statues of the god.
Particularly noteworthy is the sculpted upper end. It shows a stylized animal head with large circular eyes, an opened mouth, and lateral openings. A robust, profiled bead separates the head from the shaft.
The bronze possesses an attractive, naturally developed dark green to greenish patina.
Culture: Roman
Dating: Roman Imperial period, 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 79 × 13 × 14 mm
Condition:
Bottom end broken in antiquity; otherwise present and intact.
Provenance:
Purchased in 2026 at the German art trade, previously since before 2000 in private collection H. L., Rhineland
The invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1. - 3. Jh. n. Chr.
Name of object
Mace from a large Heracles statue with a lion's head. Ex-Gorny& Mosch
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
79 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1999
Width
13 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
14 mm
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.
