*AN EXCEPTIONAL ROMAN BRONZE DISTAFF. 2nd-3rd century A.D. L. 27,5 cm Provenance Swiss collection since 2003, acquired on the Swiss market in 2003. Used as a wool-wrapping tool prior to spinning thread. Composed of a long, finely worked shaft with segmented grooves, surmounted by a disc inlaid with tesserae of stone and terracotta. The spinning ring is adorned with two carnelian intaglios and a blue glass inlay. This ring enabled one to spin tight woolen threads around a separate instrument without creating an unruly mess of hair or spun thread. Beautiful conservation and rare typology. For Swiss buyers, VAT applies to the hammer price and buyer's premium (only for the lots with the * mention)