Romano-British Lead Bird Steelyard Weight
1st-4th century A.D. Formed with stub wings, a hooked beak and circular eyes, tail folded under the body,tail feathers and a speckled or ruffled breast underlined by moulded textures; iron loop embedded in the reverse face. Cf. for a similar dove in copper-alloy on the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme see no.NLM-7DDF63. 700 grams, 11.2 cm (4 3/8 in.).

Ex Nigel Mills, London, UK. The iron loop of the back may suggest this was attached to a vessel or other receptacle. Greek mythology associated the small white bird with Aphrodite, the goddess of love (known in Roman mythology as Venus). Venus is often depicted with doves fluttering around her or resting on her hand. [No Reserve]