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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.
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AUCTIONS:
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An iconic Pagan sculpture with rounded forehead and chin, broad nose and recessed eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 17.2 k total, 30.5 cm including stand
From Staffordshire, UK. From a collection acquired on the UK art market. Property of a West Midlands, UK, private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Celtic Silver and Bronze Jewellery Group
Iron Age, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
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Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
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Circa 3rd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
A bronze 'proto-money' or harness ring group comprising round-section rings. 100 grams total, 14-23 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.
