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LOT 1688
Celtic Bronze La Tène Bow Brooch Collection
IRON AGE, 2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 - 2 1/2 in. (26.9 grams total, 27-64 mm).
Each with round-section bow, slender pin with coiled spring, some with knob finial and catch. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx property of an Essex, UK, gentleman collector.
From the private collection of a Colchester, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled as a bridled and saddled bull, naturalistically rendered with well-defined facial planes, lending a vivid and expressive character to the figure; the edge of the saddle adorned with a delicate row of incised circles, broad hollowed out hooves. 48.6 grams, 54 mm long
Frank Sternberg collection, Zurich, 1980s. Private collection, acquired from Frank Sternberg in 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss register certificate, dated 29 March 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12729-234223.
The statuette likely served as a votive offering (ex-voto) at a sanctuary or temple, and closely parallels numerous Iberian examples recovered from sacred sites in Alicante, Valencia, and particularly in Andalusia. In Iberian culture, the bull was a potent symbol of strength, virility, and martial power—frequently associated with warrior deities. The inclusion of a saddle and bridle suggests domestication, and it is plausible that such animals, being more docile than horses, may have been ridden or equipped in ritual or ceremonial contexts. -
Celtic Silver Ring
Iron Age, circa 2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Formed as a length of silver wire with two spiral loops above forming the bezel, the ends wrapped around the shank. 2.82 grams, 25.46 mm overall, 15.94x17.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
British Celtic Bronze Ring with Concentric Design
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising a D-section hoop with horizontal lines at the shoulders, a discoid bezel with ring-and-dot design. 3.35 grams, 23.20 mm overall, 20.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
Found Norfolk, UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Similar types of Celto-Roman bronze rings were found in the Thames in spoil heaps dating to the 1st century A.D. The most prolific finger rings in use throughout the Roman occupation were in bronze, and some forms were borrowed from Celtic arts and patterns.
