Ancient Roman, Empire Silver Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Medical Instrument with Fine Engravings
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Ancient Roman silver legionary medical instrument with fine engravings, circa 1st–3rd century AD, made of silver, in excellent condition, length 93.0 mm and weight 7.6 g, from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Medical Instrument with Fine Engravings
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Silver
Weight: 7.6 g
Dimensions: 93.0 × 5.6 × 1.0 mm
A very rare and beautifully crafted Ancient Roman silver medical instrument, distinguished by its precious-metal construction, exceptionally elegant proportions, delicate engraved decorations and magnificent naturally toned patina.
The instrument features an elongated, carefully fashioned shaft, a finely tapered working end and a beautifully rounded opposite terminal. Particularly fascinating are the extremely fine engraved markings visible on its surface, including delicate intersecting lines and cross-shaped details.
These subtle decorative features add an additional dimension of craftsmanship and individuality to an already remarkable ancient instrument.
Rare Silver Construction:
One of the most outstanding characteristics of this piece is its manufacture in silver.
Roman medical instruments were commonly produced in bronze, making silver examples particularly desirable among collectors of ancient medical equipment and Roman antiquities.
Silver was a prestigious material in the Roman world, appreciated for its beauty, workability and refined appearance.
The combination of precious-metal construction and carefully executed decorative details gives this instrument a particularly distinguished character.
Delicate Engravings and Cross-Shaped Markings:
A particularly captivating feature is the presence of extremely fine engraved surface details.
Close examination reveals delicate linear markings, including intersecting elements with a cross-shaped appearance, subtly integrated into the instrument's slender form.
Their understated character is especially appealing: rather than dominating the surface, these fine details invite closer examination and highlight the individuality of the piece.
The cross-shaped markings are particularly intriguing in the context of the Roman world, where simple geometric and cross-like motifs could carry decorative or symbolic associations.
Together with the carefully shaped terminal and elegant shaft, these delicate details enhance the instrument's artistic and historical appeal.
Roman Legionary Medicine:
The Roman legions maintained an organised medical service, with military physicians known as medici responsible for treating wounded and sick soldiers.
Roman medical practitioners employed a wide variety of specialised instruments for delicate procedures, wound examination, treatment and the application of medicinal substances.
The elongated profile and finely tapered working end of this silver instrument reflect the tradition of precision craftsmanship associated with Roman medical equipment.
Such objects offer a fascinating connection to the daily activities of ancient physicians and the sophisticated medical practices of the Roman Empire.
Magnificent Naturally Toned Silver Patina:
The instrument displays a particularly beautiful and richly developed surface patina.
Subtle dark grey, charcoal and softly shimmering silver tones create an exceptionally attractive appearance, emphasising the object's slender silhouette and refined craftsmanship.
The naturally toned surface also provides a beautiful contrast to the delicate engraved markings, making them particularly rewarding to discover under changing light.
Its elegant rounded terminal, long shaft and finely tapered opposite end remain clearly recognisable.
Historical Significance and Collector Appeal:
Ancient Roman medical instruments represent an important and fascinating category of archaeological artefacts, illustrating the technical knowledge, practical ingenuity and sophisticated craftsmanship of the Roman world.
This example combines several particularly desirable characteristics: precious-metal construction, an impressive length of 93 mm, delicate engraved details, cross-shaped markings and a magnificent naturally toned surface.
The combination of silver craftsmanship, subtle decorative engraving and elegant preservation makes this an exceptionally attractive collector's piece.
A very rare and beautifully toned Ancient Roman silver medical instrument, offering a fascinating connection to the medical traditions, craftsmanship and material culture of the Roman Empire.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Medical Instrument with Fine Engravings
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Silver
Weight: 7.6 g
Dimensions: 93.0 × 5.6 × 1.0 mm
A very rare and beautifully crafted Ancient Roman silver medical instrument, distinguished by its precious-metal construction, exceptionally elegant proportions, delicate engraved decorations and magnificent naturally toned patina.
The instrument features an elongated, carefully fashioned shaft, a finely tapered working end and a beautifully rounded opposite terminal. Particularly fascinating are the extremely fine engraved markings visible on its surface, including delicate intersecting lines and cross-shaped details.
These subtle decorative features add an additional dimension of craftsmanship and individuality to an already remarkable ancient instrument.
Rare Silver Construction:
One of the most outstanding characteristics of this piece is its manufacture in silver.
Roman medical instruments were commonly produced in bronze, making silver examples particularly desirable among collectors of ancient medical equipment and Roman antiquities.
Silver was a prestigious material in the Roman world, appreciated for its beauty, workability and refined appearance.
The combination of precious-metal construction and carefully executed decorative details gives this instrument a particularly distinguished character.
Delicate Engravings and Cross-Shaped Markings:
A particularly captivating feature is the presence of extremely fine engraved surface details.
Close examination reveals delicate linear markings, including intersecting elements with a cross-shaped appearance, subtly integrated into the instrument's slender form.
Their understated character is especially appealing: rather than dominating the surface, these fine details invite closer examination and highlight the individuality of the piece.
The cross-shaped markings are particularly intriguing in the context of the Roman world, where simple geometric and cross-like motifs could carry decorative or symbolic associations.
Together with the carefully shaped terminal and elegant shaft, these delicate details enhance the instrument's artistic and historical appeal.
Roman Legionary Medicine:
The Roman legions maintained an organised medical service, with military physicians known as medici responsible for treating wounded and sick soldiers.
Roman medical practitioners employed a wide variety of specialised instruments for delicate procedures, wound examination, treatment and the application of medicinal substances.
The elongated profile and finely tapered working end of this silver instrument reflect the tradition of precision craftsmanship associated with Roman medical equipment.
Such objects offer a fascinating connection to the daily activities of ancient physicians and the sophisticated medical practices of the Roman Empire.
Magnificent Naturally Toned Silver Patina:
The instrument displays a particularly beautiful and richly developed surface patina.
Subtle dark grey, charcoal and softly shimmering silver tones create an exceptionally attractive appearance, emphasising the object's slender silhouette and refined craftsmanship.
The naturally toned surface also provides a beautiful contrast to the delicate engraved markings, making them particularly rewarding to discover under changing light.
Its elegant rounded terminal, long shaft and finely tapered opposite end remain clearly recognisable.
Historical Significance and Collector Appeal:
Ancient Roman medical instruments represent an important and fascinating category of archaeological artefacts, illustrating the technical knowledge, practical ingenuity and sophisticated craftsmanship of the Roman world.
This example combines several particularly desirable characteristics: precious-metal construction, an impressive length of 93 mm, delicate engraved details, cross-shaped markings and a magnificent naturally toned surface.
The combination of silver craftsmanship, subtle decorative engraving and elegant preservation makes this an exceptionally attractive collector's piece.
A very rare and beautifully toned Ancient Roman silver medical instrument, offering a fascinating connection to the medical traditions, craftsmanship and material culture of the Roman Empire.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–3rd century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Medical Instrument with Fine Engravings
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
