4th century AD. A bronze lamp handle in the form of a bird with extended beak and feather detailing; the beak pierced with attached chain and small knopped lid. 130 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). Property of an Essex gentleman; previously in the Sir John Gielgud collection. Sir Arthur John Gielgud, OM, CH (14 April 1904 - 21 May 2000) was an English stage and film actor, film director, and producer. He achieved early fame for his Shakespearean roles, especially Hamlet. In later life he played many classic roles on stage and in film, and was a noted writer and connoisseur.