Romano-Egyptian, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. One of the most important examples of ancient gold we have had the pleasure of offering. Heavy gold foil formed into the likeness of a Nile crocodile. Incredibly detailed with open mouth exposing rows of deadly teeth, almond-shaped eyes and rows and rows of scaley scutes with pronounced central dorsal ridge. Size: 6.875" L (17.5 cm), 37.1 grams of 97% pure gold.

This incredible example and its monkey cousin from the same collection (item # 112961) were first discussed in a 1959 letter to addressed to Mr. Arif Atiyeh of Portland, Oregon from noted anthropologist Robert Fernea. It has since been analyzed by Pieter Meyers, Senior Research Scientist Emeritus, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (written report provided with piece) who has concluded the following: "The trace element composition shows the absence of elevated levels of modern metals such as cadmium, nickel and zinc which is consistent with “ancient” gold. Modern gold often contains higher concentrations of one or more of these modern metals. The technical characteristics of the Figure of a Crocodile, specifically the good craftsmanship, the apparent use of solderless joining and the alloy and trace element compositions are consistent with a date of manufacture in antiquity."

Provenance: Ex-private A. Atiyeh collection, before 1960; former estate of Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh; evaluated by noted anthropologist Robert Fernea in 1959.

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