Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Elongated bowl-shaped lamp with pinched nozzle to accept the wick; tall curved handle with stylised bull's head finial, with a hole in the middle and a hook attached to the rounded muzzle; two lateral curved horns; chain composed of six straight links connected by hooks and loops. 322 grams, 68.5 cm



with Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Munich, Auction 254, 13 February 2008, no.421. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13522-263139.

These kinds of boat-shaped Danubian Celtic lamps were hanging oil lamps fitted with a hanging shaft with knot decoration with horns, imitating the head of a bull, characterised by a curved end with an S-shaped hook.

Comprising a D-section scaphoid chest panel with incised fur detailing to the centre and reserved edges, bulb finial below; pyramidal muzzle with mouth and eye detailing, leaf-shaped ears below stub antlers with tines above; solder scar to reverse. 50.6 grams, 59 mm



Found North Lincolnshire, UK, circa 2000.

Decorative attachment in the form of a bull’s horn, curving and ending in a spherical knob with a notched underside; a torus collar at the horn's lower end, with a square cross-section below it; a conical disc at the base with three perforations for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 161 grams total, 22.5 cm including stand



Ex private South German collection, 1970s. with Hermann Historica, Auction 66, 6 May 2013, no.2363. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13523-263141.

Numerous examples of Celtic helmets adorned with horns are known. Amongst these, there are several parallels for the specific shape of the bull’s horn presented here. An interpretation as a helmet ornament therefore appears plausible, especially in view of the size of our object.

Modelled in round with applied eyes and ears, notches to the back forming bristles. 18.3 grams, 37.7 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

Comprising open-work pendants, mounts with filigree decoration, triangular and irregular flat-section fragments with punched dot decoration, and others. 23.5 grams total, 12-37 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Modelled in the round with textured mane and domed eyes in recesses, pricked ears; with an old collector's record card. 8.46 grams, 23 mm



Found Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border, UK. Acquired December 1991 from J.L.Homan. Accompanied by an old sales ticket and handwritten collector's card.