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An Early Christian bronze stylus with Greek inscription image 1
An Early Christian bronze stylus with Greek inscription image 2
Lot 250

Amended
Antiquities
1 May 2013, 10:30 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £1,625 inc. premium

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An Early Christian bronze stylus with Greek inscription
Circa 3rd-4th Century A.D.
One end pointed for writing in wax, the other spatulate in form for smoothing the wax, a flattened panel of square cross-section at the handle, an inscription over both sides beginning with a cross and then KE BOETHE TEN DOULE SOU ELENEN, 'Have mercy on your handmaiden, and help her', 5in (12.8cm) long

Footnotes

Provenance:
UK private collection, acquired in the 1960s by the owner's late husband. Accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the collector.

Literature:
'Doule sou' and 'boethei' are often used in Christian prayers. '(H)elenen' appears to be an error for 'eleeson' ('have mercy on').

Saleroom notices

Please note that the description is incorrect and should read: 'An Early Christian bronze liturgical implement with Greek inscription'. It is one of a pair of implements used in the communion service and would have had a matching spoon. It has been suggested that the text can be read as: 'Lord, help your servant Helen'.

Additional information

Bid now on these items

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