Sale: CNG 66, Lot: 2046. Estimate $150.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004.  Sold For $90. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANTIQUITY. ROMAN ERA. Lower Danube tribes. Bronze belt buckle. Circa 4th-6th century AD. Length: 38mm; weight: 10.69 gm. Flat square face plate with an engraved figure of a domestic cat with a fierce expression on its face. Fine condition, pale green patina. ($150)

Depictions of domestic cats are rare in ancient art, and with the spread of Christian prejudice against felines they virtually disappear from artwork, except to appear as the "Devil's minions". This charming little buckle is probably the work of a native craftsman, not yet exposed to the Christian viewpoint.