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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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Bronze Age Rapier or Short Sword Blade
11th-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With ogival sides, a raised mid-rib and lozenge-shaped shoulders, remains of the tang with a hole for the insertion of the fastening rivet. 223 grams, 31.5 cm
Acquired in the late 19th century. Ex private collection, Liverpool, UK. Helios Gallery Antiquities, Wiltshire, UK. Private collection, Preston, UK. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Helios Gallery no.H3163r.
The top of the sword is missing, and the shape of the blade resembles that of swords of the late European Bronze Age, but the particular shape of the central groove of the blade, which forms a three-quarter median rib before tapering towards the point, could lead one to believe that the sword was of the antennal type with median rib, like the sword from Central Italy preserved in the Calvet Museum, Avignon. -
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. -
Bronze Age British Socketted Axehead
Late Bronze Age, 1200-800 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
The outer faces decorated with three parallel lines, single side loop and convex cutting edge; socket chipped at one side. 160 grams, 79 mm
Found in Norfolk before 1990. Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.
