1st century AD and later. A mixed group of five cut and polished gemstones: one carnelian ovoid-shaped stone mounted on a fragmentary bezel, bearing the intaglio design of two fish flanking a Christian cross; one ellipsoidal carnelian stone bearing the intaglio design of a deer beneath a tree; one ovoid-shaped carnelian stone bearing an enigmatic intaglio design, possibly foliage; one ellipsoidal red jasper stone bearing the intaglio design of a warrior, seated, helmetted, shield and spear to his side, holding a severed head, a torso impaled on a spike before him; one ellipsoidal nicolo stone bearing intaglio design of Mars or Jupiter standing. 5 grams total, 11-16mm (1/2 - 3/4"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); acquired on the UK art market from 1960-2000. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils. [5]