1st-2nd century AD. A substantial heavy gold rope chain necklace with a central large Hercules or marriage knot pendant; domed caps with beaded wire to the ends of the knot and chain; modern clasp. See Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1995.539.7, for an earlier example.29.69 grams, 65cm (25 1/2"). Property of a respected gentleman, from his private collection formed 1965-2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10514-171133. The Knot of Hercules, also known as a reef knot, is at least 4,000 to 9,000 years old. This knot is used to tie the two ends of a single line together, and is thus the perfect symbol of the tying together of two lives into one.