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LOT 1619
Celtic La Tene Silver Fibula
IRON AGE, CIRCA 400-200 B.C.
2 in. (7.65 grams, 51 mm).
Symmetrical humpback shape, constructed on a single piece of silver with simple loop spring, arched bow, spiral terminal decoration and integral catchplate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Suffolk gentleman, early 2000s.
Property of a private collector, West London, UK.
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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AUCTIONS:
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Iron Age Celtic Bronze La Tene Fibula
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With integral spring and pin, flat-section bow with raised median rib and edges, wide foot with catch and piercing. 8.78 grams, 68 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, 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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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. -
Iron Age Celtic Silver Snake-Headed Bracelet
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Comprising a round-section shank and flattened finials: one with punched annulet detailing and ring-and-dot eyes, the other smaller with punched pellets. 61.5 grams, 81 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
