Alexandria, 2nd-1st century BC. A Hellenistic or Roman silver brooch depicting the mask of aic actor, the grinning mouth wide open, with a finely delineated beard, the nose short and snub, the eyes with drilled pupils and large arched brows, the bald head with a fillet decorated with punched roundels and central rosette ornament; to the reverse, the hinge and catchplate intact, the pin with only the tip absent. 14.3 grams, 29 mm (1"). Collection of 'everyday Roman objects' formed by a late Hampshire scholar. Property of an Edinburgh lady since 2012.