Lot 30B
Ancient Greece, Hellenistic, ca. 400 BCE. An early Hellenistic Greek gold disc-style ring, comprised of 98% gold (equivalent to 23K+), the circular table carved with a rare depiction of an armed hoplite donning a Corinthian helmet and presented in a dramatic pose - charging left with his spear ready for attack. In addition, the artisan created a jagged groundline to represent rough terrain. This depiction of the natural setting is quite unusual. Size: decorated table of ring measures .875" L x .8" W (2.2 cm x 2 cm); US ring size 3.5.
The hoplites were heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greece. Athens mandated that all 18 to 20 year olds participate in military service; however, during times of war, all male citizens through the age of 60 could be asked to serve. Hoplites carried a large, round, bronze-faced shield known as a hoplon in one hand and, in the other, a eight-foot-long wooden spear with a leaf-shaped iron head and a bronze butt spike. The butt spike was known as a sauroter, a "lizard killer", and, if the spear was broken, could be used as a weapon on the remaining end. It could also be used to stand the spear in soft ground or as a digging tool.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, acquired by Antiquarium, Ltd., November 1999; ex-private European collection, Mme. S.A., acquired by the 1970s; published in Antiquarium, Ltd. Ancient Treasures (New York, 2003), p. 15.
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#141455
- Condition: Shank is somewhat bent as shown. Slight surface wear. Otherwise a beautiful ring comprised of high quality gold (98% - equivalent to 23K+) with vivid imagery.
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