1st-3rd century AD. A matching pair of substantial bronze door knockers or furniture handles, each a discoid plaque with a central high-relief lion mask, the lion with radiating mane composed of thick locks, gaping jaws with protruding tongue, holding a ribbed ring in its mouth, fastening rivets to the plaque; each with a custom-made wall mount. See Uccelli, G., Le navi di Nemi, Roma, 1940; Ghini, G., Il Museo delle navi romane e Il Santuario di Diana di Nemi, Roma, 1992; similar specimens in the collection of the Museum of the Order of St John at the University of Birmingham inv. n.5616-5617, from Jerusalem; and two nearly identical door handles in the shape of lion's heads are preserved in the Getty Museum (accession number 72.AC.91).3.2 kg total, 22cm each (8 3/4"). Property of a gentleman living in central London; formerly with William Deregibus, acquired by decent; previously in the private collection of Mr & Mrs (Cleo & Diana) Deregibus, New York, USA, acquired in the 1950s; accompanied by an archaeological report by military expert Dr. Raffaele D'Amato; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10401-170145. There are various examples of appliqués used for furniture, carts and ships in the form of a lion’s face, finely cast in high relief, holding a ribbed ring in its gaping jaws, often incised whiskers and fur, and radiating mane. The lion was symbol of power and ferocity, and would also have recalled the fierce gladiatorial fights. One of the most beautiful and striking examples are the lion heads of the famous Nemi ships of Caligula. These were fitted to the ends of cantilevered beams that supported each rowing position on the second ship. [2]