Culture: Roman. Date: 161 - 169 A.D. Material: Silver. Condition: Intact, excellent, with iridescence. Provenance: American private collection, 1960's. Measurements: One measures 1 inch high (2.5 cms), and 4 inches long (10 cms); Another measures 1 inch high (2.5 cms), and 3.75 inches long (9.5 cms; Another measures 1.4 inches high (3.5 cms), and 3.5 inches long (9 cms). This exceptional set consists of two ladles or measuring cups, and a cup, that once belonged to the Roman emperor Lucius Verus (161 - 169 A.D.). One ladle has a stamp in gold, on the handle, for the emperor's bust facing left, with a tiny hole above and a gold loop for suspension. The bottom of this ladel is concave and the body flares gradually out, with a short handle behind that is part of the body. The second one is in the form of a cup with a flat bottom, the body gradually flares out, with a decorated looped handle attached. The third one is in the form of a ladle with a flat bottom and a gradually flaring body and a handle behind that is part of this ladle. An exceptioanlly fine set of utmost significance and rarity. Cf: A similar ladle with decorated handle, acc. 145517, found at the house of Menander at Pompeii, Naples, now in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale.

Antiquities
Ancient Roman