Ancient Roman bronze and enamel seal box lid

Code: 11308

This is an ancient Roman bronze and enamel seal box lid, dating to the 2nd century AD. Seal boxes were used to protect the wax seals attached to documents and packages and saw the greatest period of use in the 2nd century AD. Crummy (1983, 103) suggests that most seal boxes are of 2nd or 3rd century AD date - indicated by the use of enamel - with their manufacture ceasing in the 3rd century. This example is decorated with enamel. See also SUR-AEC72C, NLM-8AD7BE, NLM-20F1C9 for further discussion.

OBJECT: Seal Box Lid

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd century AD

MATERIAL: Bronze & Enamel

SIZE: 31mm x 21.85mm x 1.37mm

WEIGHT:  4.26 grams

PROVENANCE: formerly in a Dutch private collection