Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
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.
Literature
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).
Footnotes
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
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. -
.jpg)
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
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. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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 Bird Amulet
Iron Age, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
With a long neck and folded wings with stylised feather detailing, loop below. 4.94 grams, 26 mm
Ex Manchester, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
