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LOT 1554
Iron Age Bronze Brooch
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.
2 in. (9.02 grams, 49 mm).
Arched bow-brooch tapering to each end, one with flat palmette panels holding a pivoting pin and the other a ribbed catch with two small posts supporting a sprung plate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s.
From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Hattatt, R., Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1371, where a Macedonian origin is proposed for the Phrygian-derived form.
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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Iron Age Celtic Bronze Moustache Chape
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed as two lateral conical bulbs connected at the base by a plain gusset; each cone with swept profile, the surface of the bulb with heavy facetting; socket to the centre. 23.2 grams, 34 mm
Found Hertfordshire, UK.
Fittings of this type are known as 'moustache mounts'. Their exact function is unknown but use as the chape of a scabbard has been suggested. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Mirror Handle
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Two fragments from a decorative mirror handle comprising a portion of the shank formed as two loops joined by a transverse disc, and a bifacial finial with volute scroll enclosing three domed discs (reversed and three round sockets for enamelled studs (obverse). 132 grams total, 46-67 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Carved in the round as a male head with triangular chin and jaw, broad square brow, lentoid eyes, reserved scrolled ears; mounted on a custom-made stand. 5 kg total, 22 cm high including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The cult of the human head was prevalent in the Celtic world, being associated with warding-off evil spirits and bearing of good luck.
