Unusual Pale Green Roman Glass Vase/Vial This small (3-inch tall) delicate green glass vase dates to the time of Christ and like many of our historic items comes from Israel and is of Roman origin. This small and unusual piece has a heavier base with a pattern of thicker glass around it, then rises up in a simple fluted design. It has no damage or cracks and we take excellent care to pack and ship in only reinforced boxes with bubble and/or cloth and paper packaging to ensure it arrives safely. Many if not most of the antiquities found in Israel are Roman and come from the period of a few centuries before and just after the life of Christ. We purchase very carefully and only from long-established Israeli dealers whom we know. The State of Israel is very stringent in licensing antique and antiquities dealers, but still some in Israel offer fraudulent transactions; the bulk of these, however, come from neighboring countries, especially Lebanon where there are virtually no restraints and conditions on the exporting of what are purported to be genuine antiques. It is a well-known fact within the profession that many Middle Eastern dealers sell modern reproductions. We guarantee the authenticity of everything we sell, regardless of price or vintage. $125

Gorgon Head Silver Piece This is a very attractive Gorgon head silver piece about the size of a US dime. Our understanding of Greek mythology is that the Gorgon was to be feared and would be used sometimes in ancient Greece on armor or shields to frighten enemies. He is always smiling and giddy on coins, occasionally with snakes in or around its hair (but not Medusa-like hair). Near full planchet strike with only the lower jaw missing and the condition superb with its laughing face staring off the coin. From about 300 BC. $69  — SOLD —

Ancient Asian Spearpoints Pair of circa 1000AD dug spear points, both with encrustation from centuries buried. The first is well preserved and holds its shape and point while the second has corroded and lost much of its original angled shape, its point becoming rounded. The arrowhead at the left is nearly two inches long. Excellent pieces for display. Lot consists of TWO spearpoints. * $50

European crossbow arrowhead Crusades period, nearly three inches long, quite heavy, no encrustation, some corrosion inside and ragged blunt end which may be as made. Superb for display. Unlike any we have seen at auction or shows for more than 6-7 years. * $75

Pair of Roman Bronze statue feet, from an animal; the feet measure about an inch each, but require a bit of study to identify the animal and then to extrapolate the size of the original bronze work. Circa 200BC-200AD* $45

Superb Roman (circa 100BC-100AD) terra cotta oil lamp, dug in Israel. While oil lamps are one of the most accessible Roman artifacts, those routinely offered are elongated, rough and have no design. Even the common Byzantine and Roman pieces are becoming more and more difficult to obtain, evidenced by the fact that those once readily available for $25 are now $50-$100. This is finely made and quite ornately decorated lamp. We do not know the deity represented in the design at the top of the lamp (the center as you look down at the photograph). Nearly four inches in diameter, virtually perfect condition. Clearly used at one time as evidenced by the darkening at the tip (bottom of photo) and below the effigy in the center. $245

Five-inch high heavy pottery vase, Roman dug in Israel, circa 100 BC-100 AD. Also once much more common, quality pottery-even in small sizes with simple designs-are becoming difficult to find and purchase. Simply, the vast digs in post-war Israel have begun to dry up. Fake ornate pieces have flooded the market from Lebanon, as well, but those prevalent on eBay in 2008 seem to be under control. The bottom of the vase or amphora is as made, with an uneven surface and thus difficult to stand on its own. $95

Non-fighting knife from 1200-1500 AD, dug in the Thames River near London by team of U.S. scientists. The knife, unlike the typical weapons we find for sale, is a household or farm knife, one that saw plenty of use. Nearly nine inches long, the handle is petrified leather, probably turned to stone from the notoriously thick chemicals and sludge at the bottom of the river where it was found. The blade is intact and shows the lack of skill in manufacturing, no doubt made by a local blacksmith rather than the most talented weapons makers. The edge is uneven and notched in several places, likely from excessive use rather than corrosion. An outstanding and unusual English artifact. $245

Roman fibula crossbow, and incredible broach/pin from 2,000 years ago intact. About 1.5 inches in length, a perfect miniature crossbow, likely worn by someone in the Roman military. Light patina on the metal, quite accurate in the photograph. * $150

SHIPPING
All shipping charges will be calculated based on destination, item size and shipping method. All shipping is per package, never per item. Items marked with an asterisk * can be shipped First Class in a properly padded envelope or box for a flat $3.00. Insurance is available for an additional charge.

To Order or Inquire about items listed here, please contact Norm Bolotin at
norm@thehistorybank.com or toll-free 1-877-585-8818.

Antiquities, Artifacts & Ancient Coins

Tokens and Medals

Americana/World's Fairs

Natural History

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