£18
Roman bronze cockerel figure. Presumably a cult object dedicated to the god Mercury, the god of traders (and thieves) whose accompanying animals include a cockerel. 30mm x 23mm, 9.3g
Recorded on the PAS database where it states:
A cast copper alloy figurine of a cockerel of probable Roman date. The object has a rounded body with the breast pushed outwards. The wings are furled; on the surface of the wings are worn lateral lines that represent the feathers. The neck extends vertically form the body, and is oval in cross-section. The head is worn with a rounded beak and a rearward facing comb at the top of the head. Two legs project downwards from the front of the body and are separated by a groove on front and rear measuring 2mm in width.
A curved tail protrudes from the rear of the bird on each side of which are two curved grooves representing feathers. Between each side of the tail is a wide groove measuring 3mm in width and 3.5mm deep. The object has a dark green patina.
Cockerels are associated with the god Mercury, this object may have been used in a small shrine or temple within a house.
https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/620125
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
26.40% inc VAT*
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30% inc VAT*
