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We sell authentic ancient artefacts. Nothing in our catalogue is fake, imitation or reproduction. All items also come with an unconditional Certificate of Authenticity.
To browse the artefacts currently available to purchase through this website, please select the region or historical period which interests you from the menu on the left.
We are often asked questions about where these articles are obtained from, whether they would be better in museums, and so forth.
Why is it so cheap?
The vast majority of our items are not rarities and we try to ensure that they will be affordable to everybody. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to own a small piece of antiquity, provided that the artefacts are sufficiently common and are neither of any national heritage nor should be legitimately in a museum environment.
Where does it come from?
We purchase from old collections, some famous, such as those made by Lord McAlpine of West Green and the Hon. Robert Erskine, as well as huge declared hoards such as the Normanby Hoard and Killingsholme Treasure. The large collections were often started during the Victorian 'grand tours' and have now been passed down through the generations and split up.
Shouldn't it be in museums?
Antiquities and ancient art are not only about priceless Greek vases and marble friezes. They include items that were used as part of everyday life by these ancient civilisations. What happened to a Roman oil lamp - a disposable item used in millions and as insignificant as today's light bulb? These 'everyday items' often lack the polish needed by the collectors of more refined antiquities and are surplus to the already overstretched museums.
Why is there so much?
There are hundreds of thousands of domestic antiquities already in circulation. Museum basements are often choking with pieces and it is an open question as to how well they are being cared for or whether they will ever be displayed. With industrialisation and urbanisation the antiquities in the ground are, in some countries, worth more as hardcore, and coins worth much more melted down for their gold and silver content.
Will it run out?
Yes, there is not an infinite supply of antiquities in circulation, which is why the stock is ever changing as new pieces and collections arrive.
Conservation and preservation.
Through the sale of antiquities, we aim to increase public awareness and promote the aims of conservationists. WE donate money from our sales to museums and charities to help encourage, preserve and understand our heritage.
Education.
It is vital that the history of our world and of our civilisation is taught with the help of archaeology and artefacts. Books can only provide so much; actual items from the past tell a much more exciting story and challenge the mind. Such study has now become a vital aspect of the school curriculum as people and events from history are connected to items that can be held in the hand.
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