DATE: Art Deco, c.1920

Cool antique charm in silver modelled after one of the world's most iconic ancient sites: the Flavian Amphitheatre, aka the Roman Colosseum. Instantly recognisable, it's absolutely remarkable that so much of this vast building remains standing to this day (all the more so given the tourist footfall it withstands each year - around 6 million visitors according to rome.net). Over the past two millennia, it has survived looting, earthquakes, and ariel bombardment and has been used variously as a storehouse, castle, church, and cemetery. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre after the three emperors that were patrons of the work, the name was changed due to the great statue of Nero at the entrance to the Domus Aurea, "The Colossus of Nero". In ancient times, the venue was covered with a canvas ceiling to protect the spectators from the intense sun. Some historians believe it may have been occasionally flooded to enable re-enactments of naval battles. The charm's crafted in silver, likely sold as a souvenir of someone's Roman holiday. Made circa 1920.

MEASUREMENTS 

13.7 x 18.8mm

WEIGHT 

2.7g

MARKS 

Stamped 900 Silver 

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear/patina commensurate with age