Egypt, Roman period, ca. 1st century BCE/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 extremely rare example, and its monkey cousin, lot 9d, were first discussed in a letter to Mr. Arif Atiyeh or Portland, Oregon in 1959 where they were discussing the ancient origins of these pieces. It has since been analyzed by Pieter Mayer, PhD, Senior Research Scientist Emeritus , Los Angeles County Museum of Art / LACMA, 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."
Written report to be provided to the winning bidder.

Provenance: Ex-private Fernea collection, Chicago IL (1959), ex-T. Atiyeh collection, since 1960.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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