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LOT 0520
Greek Bronze Bow Brooch
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
2 3/8 in. (46.8 grams, 60 mm).
Deeply arched bow with a central barrel-shaped extension, integral pin and rectangular footplate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
LiteratureCf. Furtwängler, A., Olympia. Die Ergebnisse der von dem Deutschen Reich veranstalteten Ausgrabung, Band 4. 2 Bände (Textband, Tafelband), Asher, Berlin, 1890, pl.XXII, nos.367, 368, 369, for prototypes.
FootnotesThe distinctive form of this fibula seems to be an Italic variant of characteristic Geometric period examples from Thessaly that have been discovered in large numbers, for example in the sanctuary of Zeus Thaulios near Pharos. It belongs to the category of Greek catch plate brooches, although the rectangular footplate is substantially reduced than the Greek prototypes, and the two grooves on the bow are narrower than the continental Greek ones.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Greek Bronze Bow Fibula
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Arched bow with a central bulb and ribbed collar, integral pin and large catch-plate. 93 grams, 99 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
The function of the catch-plate fibulae was utilitarian and decorative, they were used for woollen clothing (Herodotus V, 87) and they have been found in houses, tombs and as votive offerings in sanctuaries. Our fibula is an early type, very often found in the graves of the Greek colonies of Southern Italy and widespread in the Magna Graecia. This typology was introduced there by the Greeks. Like all female fibulae, it functioned as a clothing fastener, usually worn as a pair on each shoulder. -
Greek Iron Ring with Figure
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Composed of a D-section hoop with slightly splayed arms and a large sub-oval bezel, engraved with a figure advancing right. 7.81 grams, 23.00 mm overall, 17.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s. -
Greek Archaic Terracotta Head of Kore
6th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Modelled in the round wearing a diadem or headdress, either a Kore or Aphrodite, hollow-formed; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 229 grams, 12 cm (263 grams total, 13.5 cm high including stand)
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex European private collection.
The type belongs to the evolution of the ‘Aphrodite Group’ that was distributed and copied by local workshops in Ionia and the rest of Greece. The figurines of this type are found in sanctuaries of female deities, as well as graves (eg. in Molyvoti). Similar figurines have also been found in Thassos.
