A rare Roman Silver Needle, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st -  2nd century CE
A rare Roman Silver Needle, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st -  2nd century CE
A rare Roman Silver Needle, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st -  2nd century CE

A rare Roman Silver Needle, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

RM2304

Regular price1,500 USD
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A rare silver needle, the rounded shaft tapering to a sharp point, a twisted handle with molded ring at the end. Eyeless needles were used for piercing and cauterizing and consequently, in addition to the cautery and cataract needle, would have been useful to the oculist in the treatment of opthalmic conditions.

Early Roman medicine was heavily based on religious and holistic practices, including prayers, chants, herbs, and charms. It wasn't until the late third century BC that Greek surgical practices and Greek doctors were brought to Rome. The military saw the first changes in medical practice, with the addition of permanent doctors, the establishment of military hospitals, and the widespread adoption of surgery.

Medium: Silver

Dimensions: Length:  5 3/8 inches (13.65 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall, presented on a museum-quality custom mount.

Provenance: Private NYC collection, acquired from the NYC trade.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

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