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LOT 0277
Huge Bronze Age Spiral Brooch
850-750 B.C.
9 in. (567 grams total, 23 cm high including stand).
Formed as four coils of rod radiating around a central disc with pointillé decoration; substantial pin and catch to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Dr. Peter W. Biertz (1914-2000), Wolsfeld, Germany, by August 1990.
Recorded in a letter from Dr Hans Nortmann, Rhein, Landesmuseum Trier, 8 August 1990.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11880-207712.
Cf. Hattatt, R., Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1348.
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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'The Braintree' Bronze Age Axehead and Foundry 'Carp's Tongue/Ewart Phase' Hoard
Deposited circa 900-800 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Being an entire 'founder' hoard deposit comprising: complete socketted axes (6; three with linear ornament to sockets); fragments of socketted and earlier type palstave axes (18, including two that fit together); fragments of other items (4) and pieces of copper 'bun' ingot (8). 5.20 kg total, 2-11 cm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Braintree, Essex, UK, on 14th August 2019. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BM-C514EA and with a copy of the Harwich Museum loan form. Disclaimed under the Treasure Act with reference number 2019 T731.
The composition of this hoard is quite typical of similar deposits found across south-eastern England and dating to the Late Bronze Age; most such finds include broken fragments together with pieces of ingot and some complete items, as seen here. It is unusual to see an entire deposit offered together as most such are either held in museums or have been divided up. -
Huge Bronze Age Spiral Brooch
850-750 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,200
Formed as four coils of rod radiating around a central disc with pointillé decoration; substantial pin and catch to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made stand. 567 grams total, 23 cm high including stand
From the collection of Dr. Peter W. Biertz (1914-2000), Wolsfeld, Germany, by August 1990. Recorded in a letter from Dr Hans Nortmann, Rhein, Landesmuseum Trier, 8 August 1990. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11880-207712. -
Bronze Age Pancake Ingot Fragment Group
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising three pieces of copper 'bun' ingot, one showing the characteristic edge cross-section. 508 grams total, 54-69 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
These bun ingots were cast in shallow saucer depressions cut into rock where the copper ore was mined and smelted; they were then carried and traded across Europe before being broken up, melted down and having tin added to form bronze alloy; fragments such as these are frequently found as part of smith's hoards of, usually, worn out tools, weapons and raw material from the Late Bronze Age.
