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LOT 1291
Bronze Age Spectacle Brooch
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
5 1/4 in. (84 grams, 13.3 cm).
Comprising a pair of opposing wire coils decreasing in thickness from edge to centre, a figure-of-eight to the centre; integral pin and catch-plate to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
LiteratureCf. 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.
FootnotesThe 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
(variant 2-2b of Hambleton, the type here), 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.
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Bronze Age Coiled Bracelet Pair
8th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Each of small penannular form with a raised medial rib to the elliptical face, tapering to coiled terminals with lozengiform cross-section. 72 grams total, 56-58 mm wide
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
'The Braintree' Bronze Age Axehead and Foundry 'Carp's Tongue/Ewart Phase' Hoard
Deposited circa 900-800 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Being an entire 'founder' hoard deposit comprising: complete socketted axes (6; three with linear ornament to sockets); fragments of socketted and earlier type palstave axes (18, including two that fit together); fragments of other items (4) and pieces of copper 'bun' ingot (8). 5.20 kg total, 2-11 cm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Braintree, Essex, UK, on 14th August 2019. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BM-C514EA and with a copy of the Harwich Museum loan form. Disclaimed under the Treasure Act with reference number 2019 T731.
The composition of this hoard is quite typical of similar deposits found across south-eastern England and dating to the Late Bronze Age; most such finds include broken fragments together with pieces of ingot and some complete items, as seen here. It is unusual to see an entire deposit offered together as most such are either held in museums or have been divided up. -
Bronze Age European Spearhead
Late 2nd-early 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Leaf-shaped, with bevelled edges and lozenge-sectioned mid-rib, socket pierced twice. 211 grams, 37.4 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The shape of the blade resembles a willow leaf with its widest part situated in the middle of its length. The origin of this shape is still not very clear. It was probably invented somewhere in Anatolia or the Near East. In the Aegean it appears for the first time in LH II A, before spreading around Western Europe.
