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LOT 2078
Celtic Silver Bracelet
IRON AGE, CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (32.2 grams, 62 mm).
Pennanular, formed from a round-section rod with cut finials.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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LOT 2078
Celtic Silver Bracelet
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£55 (EUR 64; USD 74) +BP*
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Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
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 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 Iron Adjustable Type Bracelet
Iron Age, circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A length of square-section wire with the ends looped around the shank to form an adjustable closure. 21.67 grams, 92 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Celtic Iron Lamp with Bull's Head
1st century B.C.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,100
Elongated bowl-shaped lamp with pinched nozzle to accept the wick; tall curved handle with stylised bull's head finial, with a hole in the middle and a hook attached to the rounded muzzle; two lateral curved horns; chain composed of six straight links connected by hooks and loops. 322 grams, 68.5 cm
with Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Munich, Auction 254, 13 February 2008, no.421. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13522-263139.
These kinds of boat-shaped Danubian Celtic lamps were hanging oil lamps fitted with a hanging shaft with knot decoration with horns, imitating the head of a bull, characterised by a curved end with an S-shaped hook.
