Iron Age Bronze Scabbard Fitting Set

Decorated with two opposed crescent moons (found frequently on the early gold coins of the Catuvellauni, e.g. ABC 2442, 2445, 2508, 2511, 2514, 2550-74). 21 grams, 33 mm



Found Buckinghamshire, UK. Ex Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s. Collection number CE18. Accompanied by a Chris Rudd information card.

Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s.

For a parallel-sided cavalry sword scabbard comprising: three bronze sleeves, with median openwork panels of triangles, bands of ring-and-dot ornament, open to the reverse; a similar fitting with two lateral lugs, straight sided plaque with V-shaped voids, upper discoid plaque with central oval hole, all with ring-and-dot ornament. 144 grams total, 4.5-10.7 cm



Acquired in the early 1970s. Ex property of a Surrey collector.

Three round-section loops with centre projecting horse head with mane detailing. 9.5 grams, 30 mm



Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s.