my other collections

[GTB]

Originally Posted by rmarsden

Hi GTB,
No I dont olive oil is a mild acid that eventually eats into bronze coins. For bronze/alloy coins I use a small amount of renaissance wax, for silver coins I use nothing.
Ron.

Ron,

Thanks for your info. I was led to believe that pure virgin olive oil was an old and harmless method for cleaning and preserving ancient coins, esp. bronze, and this from various sources. I have used renaissance wax on other items but will take up your advice re usage on bronze coins.

Like you I also have the 'universal' collecting bug and, as to be expected. I have all sorts of unidentified relics hoarded away, awaitung some form of identification.

Have you any idea of what this copper alloy fragment could be? It is 3cm high, has 2 small holes (to be nailed to wood?) and a relief decoration of a line of tools, (tongs, mallet, etc). I likened the design to similar stone reliefs
I have seen eg. at Pompeii advertising various tradesmen's shops.

Thanks

GTB

[rmarsden]

The tools are blacksmith/coppersmiths ones, perhaps fixture from a toolbox?
Ron.

[GTB]

Originally Posted by rmarsden

The tools are blacksmith/coppersmiths ones, perhaps fixture from a toolbox?
Ron.

Definitely hammer and tongs. Brings to mind the insignia of a REME artificer (wonder if there could be a connection!!)

Another possibility is that the complete item may initially have been a pendant - there is what appears to be a broken loop at top - and which may have signified a guild (eg. Blacksmith's guild).

GTB

[rmarsden]

Ae Dichalkon Alexandria Egypt 12mm x 10mm 1.66gms.
Laureate bust of Trajan right.
Hem Hem crown of Harpocrates LIZ = regnal year 17= 113/4 AD.
Crown with tripple Atef (ostrich feathers) upon twisted rams horns.
Hem Hem means to cry out (A battle horn).
Desert patina.

[rmarsden]

French postcard 1914, anyone care to translate?

[rmarsden]

The calling card of Commander Selfridge U.S.N.
Fist line typo USS Columbia should read USS Cumberland.
He managed to swim to safety on all three ships sank under him!

[rmarsden]

[rmarsden]

Indus Valley Civilisation tubular stone beads circa 2.000BC.

[RCN]

What was the significance of the tubular stone beads Ron? What were they used for?

Bryan

[rmarsden]

Bryan, they were strung and worn for personal adornment, also traded as a commodity. Tubular beads were much more labour intensive than washer style and therefore had a greater value.
Ron.

[Roy]

Hi Ron,

As always the journey you share in ancient history is fascinating and always appreciated.

Re your beads - I think I have some similar (although probably not). The engagement/wedding ring I got my wife is over two thousand years old, the antiquities dealer included a string of small ancient glass beads as a gift with the purchase (so I assume they are neither rare nor valuable).

Your beads made me think of them, so will have to dig them out.

Cheerio,

Roy

[rmarsden]

Apotropaic amulet, Roman bronze 1st/2ndC. 26x26x4mm 4.5gms.

[rmarsden]

Shah Alam 1759-1806. Indian princley state of Khambayat.
Copper Falus (1/4 Rupee) worn and counterstamped with a lions head.
Possibly for use in Persia? 18.5 x 16.5 x 6.2 x 12.3 gms.

[rmarsden]

Southern India proto coinage circa 250 BC. Iron ingot formed into a ring used for currency and trade, metal does not rust so may be early wootz steel. 20mm diameter x 17mm H x 25.5 gms.

[rmarsden]

Mint stamps and label Wembley Exhibition 1924-5.
Including a yellow metal souvenier brooch.