Lead frames of glass mirrors in the hermitage collection (Yu. Kalashnik)

This paper is a study of five fragments of lead frames of glass mirrors, preserved in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities. One of the frames (Inv. No. X.1892.109) was found in the necropolis at Chersonesus, another (Inv. Nos. П. 1871.181, П. 1905.41) in that of Panticapaeum, and the other two (Inv. Nos. E 2857, E 2859) were purchased from antique dealers in Kerch. The mirror frames are close analogues to objects unearthed in Bulgaria and Rumania and dating back to the first centuries A.D. Certain structural details, elements of decor and peculiarities of the lettering in the inscriptions suggest that they should be regarded as a single group. The frame from the necropolis at Panticapaeum is dated by an accompanying find - the red-glazed dish with a foot- shaped hall-mark, datable to the first century A.D. Judging by the content of the inscriptions, the mirrors to which the frames belonged were meant as gifts for women.