Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A cast-bronze bread stamp, of a rectangular form, the press portion containing seven letters as well as a petite stalk of wheat in the lower right corner, and a loop handle on the back. The lettering on the stamp reads "(possession) of Maximus." Bread stamps were an important piece of technology in the Classic world, used to signify that bread came from an authentic bakery or that it was intended for a specific family. There was also bread made to be freely distributed, which was stamped accordingly. Covered in a pale-blue-green patina, this is a wonderful example of ancient culinary innovation! Size: 2.75" W x 1.25" H (7 cm x 3.2 cm).

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 277-278, Munich, Germany, lot 1330

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#133009

  • Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, small loss to perimeter of stamp, slight bending to overall form, and fading to wheat stalk design, otherwise very good. Nice earthen deposits and green patina throughout.

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April 26, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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