Roman Lion Door Key Handle

2nd-3rd century AD. A finial formed as a lion leaping from acanthus leaf column capital, forepaws outstretched, detailing to the full mane, ears, head and muzzle; rectangular tapering socket to base. See The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession numbers 06.176.26 and 06.176.48, for broadly comparable objects, dated 1st-7th century AD; see accession number 06.176.24, for a similar object formed as a horse; 06.176.71 for similar formed as a leaping feline. 259 grams, 85mm (3 1/4"). Found East Anglia, UK.
Condition Report: Fine condition.