A Roman Amber Glass ‘Victory’ Beaker sold for a massive £25,250 at an auction by Bonhams in July. The decorated beaker is from early to mid 1st Century BC and features a Greek inscription meaning ‘Seize the Victory.’ Thought to have been used for celebratory drinking during chariot races or gladiatorial contests, the beaker is an important example of a mould-blown glass.
Meanwhile an Egyptian chalice sold for an impressive £17,750 against an estimate of £3-£5K at the same auction. Other sought after ancient housewares included Roman glasses, bowls, jugs, flasks, and a glass spoon, as well as Greek drinking vessels dating back to the 4th Century BC.
Reflecting on the high values that the ancient glassware collection reached, head of Bonhams Antiquities Department, Francesca Hickin said: “With so many shapes, colours and glass-making techniques represented, a collection such as this rarely comes to auction. To have the opportunity to own something with so much history is really special, so it comes as no surprise that these exceptional pieces achieved such wonderful results.”
Top: The £25,250 Roman Amber Glass ‘Victory’ Beaker (left), pictured with other Roman glassware recently sold by Bon
