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_900x900.jpg "Celtic Bronze La Tène Shield Decoration")
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LOT 2035
Celtic Bronze La Tène Shield Decoration
IRON AGE, 3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
2 5/8 in. (13.9 grams, 68 mm).
Comprising two discoid plaques, each with a central mounting stud, joined by an arched panel with stepped outer edges; river patination. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Iron Age Raised Dot Decorated Pottery Jug
Central Europe, 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Squat in profile with broad base and flange rim, deep looped handle; bands of applied pellets to the sidewall. 402 grams, 18 cm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £833
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 Bronze Key with Loop Finial
Iron Age, circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising a balustered shank, loop finial and three bosses at the other end. 8.66 grams, 48 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
