Etruscan Tinned Bronze Armoured Belt Hook

Bulbous bodied with a rounded base, slender cylindrical neck, trumpet-shaped rim and integral handle, decorated with incised circumferential bands, hatched triangles and chevrons; accompanied by an acrylic display base. 388 grams, 18 cm high



Acquired in the 1990s. From the deceased estate of a North Yorkshire private collector, UK. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Red burnished-ware pottery became the dominant pottery ware lasting into the Middle Bronze Age on the island of Cyprus. Vessels were handmade and covered with a slip, which was burnished and often decorated with patterns incised with a sharp cutting edge before being fired. Potters were able to produce vessels that were either mottled or painted in two colours, often red outside and black inside and on the exterior of the rim.

The hoop leading to stepped shoulders and an oval-shaped bezel, displaying an incuse bird facing left. 5.49 grams, 23.66 mm overall, 19.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



UK collection, early 1990s and before. Acquired on the UK art market since the early 2000s. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.

Composed of tapering penannular hoops with figural plaque, discoid plaque above. 2.01 grams total, 18-20 mm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.