ROMAN BRONZE CIRCULAR BREAD STAMP
1st - 2nd centuries AD
diam. cm 6; height (with handle) cm 4,4

During the Roman era, bakeries were required to stamp their bread with an individual seal in order to trace the source of the loaves and to prevent fraud or theft of imperial supplies. This stamp was property of the freedman T. Albius (T. ALBI L.), and has as baker's symbol a rudder on the centre.

Provenance. English private collection, acquired before 2000.