Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1148

Bronze Age Sacrificed Spectacle Brooch

8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.

17 3/4 in. (320 grams, 45 cm wide).

The round-section body with incised herringbone and linear decoration; sacrificially unravelled and now forming a large loop with one coiled end. [No Reserve]

Provenance

UK private collection, 1990s.
Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

Literature

Cf. Bietti-Sestieri, A.M. and Macnamara, E., Prehistoric Metal Artefacts from Italy (3500–720 BC) in the British Museum, London, 2008, fig.615, for similar; Hambleton, J.M., Fibulae of the ninth through seventh centuries BC in Central Italy, Florida, 2008, fig.2-2b.

Footnotes

The spectacle fibula was widely distributed from the Balkans and northern Greece to southern Italy. Seven variations occur under this type with modifications made to the discs of the fibulae as well as the central connecting device. In the first and second variations the discs are coiled, whereas in the third and fourth the centre of the coil is left open. The figure eight loop also becomes shorter and wider in the fourth variant.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1148

Bronze Age Sacrificed Spectacle Brooch

Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Bronze Age Sacrificed Spectacle Brooch
    Bronze Age Sacrificed Spectacle Brooch
    8th-7th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

    The round-section body with incised herringbone and linear decoration; sacrificially unravelled and now forming a large loop with one coiled end. 320 grams, 45 cm wide



    UK private collection, 1990s. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

    The spectacle fibula was widely distributed from the Balkans and northern Greece to southern Italy. Seven variations occur under this type with modifications made to the discs of the fibulae as well as the central connecting device. In the first and second variations the discs are coiled, whereas in the third and fourth the centre of the coil is left open. The figure eight loop also becomes shorter and wider in the fourth variant.

    Lot Details

  • Luristan Copper Flat Axehead
    Luristan Copper Flat Axehead
    13th-7th century B.C.

    Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £50

    Formed with a rounded butt and flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section. 177 grams, 17.5 cm



    UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery.

    Lot Details

  • The Alresford Gold Bronze Age Cordon Adornment
    'The Alresford' Gold Bronze Age Cordon Adornment
    Circa 2350-800 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300

    Rectangular sheet-gold ribbon, plaque or cordon with reeded outer face and plain reverse, mounting hole to each end. 4.73 grams, 73.56 mm



    Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Alresford, Essex, UK, on Thursday 2nd June 2022 by Peter Wilson. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.ESS-71837F. Accompanied by a copy of the Treasure Act 1996 DCMS object receipt. Accompanied by a copy of the Report on find of Potential Treasure for H M Coroner from Alresford, Essex. Accompanied by a copy of the letter from the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in this find with Treasure case reference no.2022T575. Accompanied by a typed and signed letter from the finder explaining the circumstances of discovery.

    The exact purpose of these gold ribbons is unclear although it is very likely that they were used to adorn either personal adornments or tableware. The Rillaton Cup (Royal Collection accession no. RCIN 69742) is one such item made of gold with a corrugated appearance. The strip is rather more substantial than the majority of Bronze Age finds and resembles those found in the Staffordshire Hoard (Fern, C., Dickinson, T. & Webster, L., The Staffordshire Hoard: an Anglo-Saxon Treasure, London, 2019).

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list