Found this today - What is it? Very ornate

[PatrickD]

Hi Everyone,

I found this item today and did not realize what was there until it was taken home and cleaned.



Look at the detail. It is 1 1/4 inches wide and .3/4 inches tall. There are five people (two on the left, two on the right and one in a wagon/chariot. There is a row of four horses with rays of light behind them. I think it also may be silver or pewter but not sure.

Here is another angle of it.



Any thoughts?

Patrick

 

[BigWaveDave]

no clue... but cool as all heck

 

[PatrickD]

Here is another picture of it next to a penny to show the size and detail.



The guy in the wagon/chariot (between the horses and the two people on the right side) has his arms stretched out like he is welcoming or cheering a crowd. The clothing almost looks roman.

 

[el remolino]

I have no idea what it is, but is interesting. In your first post, I didn't realize how small it is. Way to go.

 

[3xflyfisher]

What's on the back - has a clip, clasp or pin been broken off? The detail is surprising for its size.

 

[PatrickD]

It looks like something is broken off. There is a small square where it was attached.

 

[cti4sw]

I'm thinking it was some sort of cuff link. The size is right, it explains the detail.

 

[vpnavy]

Great finds Patrick! Thanks for sharing...

 

[Molon Labe]

Any idea of the metal content? Could you give a weight of the piece? Awesome find!

 

[jewelerguy]

I'm thinking it was some sort of cuff link. The size is right, it explains the detail.

yea, cuff link or maybe a tie tack

 

[1emeraldlady]

Absolutely LOVE this piece!!!! Glad you put the penny next to it cause I thought it was the size of a dish at first...lol!! The detail is incredible. What a great find!!

 

[PatrickD]

Any idea of the metal content? Could you give a weight of the piece? Awesome find!

Not sure on the weight. I don't have a scale that will measure it. But it is either silver or pewter. It is not magnetic.

 

[wvplug]

Very interesting...

 

[PatrickD]

I did some poking around on the internet and found it. This is actually a very famous scene.

The Arch of Titus:

This painting of the Arch of Titus Chariot Relief reveals a scene in history when Titus and his soldiers passed through the Arch carrying the spoils of the Jewish Wars. The destruction of Jerusalem happened in 70 AD when the Roman legions sacked Jerusalem and returned to Rome with the booty of the Jerusalem Temple.

This second scene on the Arch of Titus reveals the actual triumphal procession of Roman soldiers who conquered Jerusalem in 70 AD. Titus is in his chariot with the winged Victory riding beside him who places a wreathe on his head, the goddess Roma or Virtus is leading the horses, along with the semi-nude Genius of the People. Because the reliefs were carved so deeply, some of the heads have broken off. The Arch of Titus with its reliefs are high on the list of importance in the study of Biblical Archaeology because it reveals a scene in history that testifies to the events predicted by Jesus regarding Jerusalem.

 

[CRUSADER]

Yes, I was going to say its a Roman Chariot called a quadriga.

 

[Zerick]

How awesome! The detail is incredible. Very nice score!