Loading, please wait...
LOT 0347
Celtic Iceni Decorated Bronze Horn Cap
IRON AGE, 2ND CENTURY B.C.-EARLY 1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 - 3 in. (314 grams total, 45-75 mm).
Sceptre head or other fitting with biconvex flange, possibly a finial from the yoke of a chariot.
ProvenanceFound Colchester, Essex, UK, 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Jope, E. M., Early Celtic Art, Oxford, 2000, pl.302-3, described as a vehicle pole and yoke fittings; Macdonald, P., Llyn Cerrig Bach. A Study of the Copper Alloy Artefacts from the Insular La Tène Assemblage, Cardiff, 2007, fig.23, item 49; cf. similar offered in Christie's, London, 12 December 1984, no.26A (£7,000-£10,000).
FootnotesTwenty or so 'horn caps' are known in museums and private collections, all have been found in Britain and mostly in Southern England. This type of decorative cap is from the end of a curved wooden handle which projected from the back of an Iron Age chariot, by which a warrior could pull himself back into the chariot. The chariot to which this would have been attached would have belonged to a chief or wealthy warrior from the Icenic tribe.
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:
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.
-
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Proto-Ring Money Collection
Circa 3rd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
A 'proto-money' or harness ring group comprising round-section rings, some with butt-joints, radiating lobes and other features. 25.9 grams total, 22-31 mm
From an English collection formed before 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
From the 3rd to 2nd Century B.C. and even before, Celtic rings in bronze were often used as a medium of exchange, before the actual issue of coinage in the area. The first attestation of rings as proto-money came from the Celtic Moesia, before the Roman conquest. -
Celtic Iceni Decorated Bronze Horn Cap
Iron Age, 2nd century B.C.-early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Sceptre head or other fitting with biconvex flange, possibly a finial from the yoke of a chariot. 314 grams total, 45-75 mm
Found Colchester, Essex, UK, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Twenty or so 'horn caps' are known in museums and private collections, all have been found in Britain and mostly in Southern England. This type of decorative cap is from the end of a curved wooden handle which projected from the back of an Iron Age chariot, by which a warrior could pull himself back into the chariot. The chariot to which this would have been attached would have belonged to a chief or wealthy warrior from the Icenic tribe. -
Large British Celtic Bronze Chariot Terret Ring
Iron Age, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Substantial fitting with round-section elliptical loop, ribbed transverse collar at the base. 196 grams, 82 mm
Found North Yorkshire, UK. Ex Yorkshire, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
