British Celtic Bronze Toggle and Loop Fastener

Formed from a single lentoid-section rod with the ends wound around the shank in a sliding knot. 22.2 grams, 88 mm



From the collection of a late Gloucestershire, UK, collector.

Depicted in a dynamic pose with its front legs raised and the weight of the body borne on its hind legs, flared nostrils and large, round eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 165 grams total, 73 mm wide including stand



Found Hampshire, UK, in the 1980s. From the collection of the late David Miller of Hemel Hempstead, UK, and a Cambridge collection of the 2000s. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13378-258774.

The small statuettes of boars found in Roman Britain and Gaul were likely used as votive figurines for cult places. They were widespread in the Roman provinces of Celtic origin. However, one cannot exclude the fact that many boars found in Britain belong to the pre-conquest era. One of the few types of bronze figurines that are known to precede the arrival of the Romans is, in fact, that of the boars.

With median loop and gusseted disc finials, baluster-shaped in profile. 14.29 grams, 29 mm



Found Wilden, Bedfordshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.53125.