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LOT 0373
Iron Age Celtic Boar Protome
CIRCA 50 A.D.
2 in. (3 3/4 in.) (82.6 grams, 49 mm (134 grams total, 95 mm including stand)).
Comprising the foreparts of a boar with legs extended and mouth open, bristling mane to the spine; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1950s-1970s.
Ex collection of Mr E. Ohly, UK, a prominent early dealer in antiquities and ethnographic art.
with ArtAncient Ltd, 2010.
Private collection, London.
Cf. Green, M.J., The Gods of Roman Britain, Princes Risborough, 2003, p.8ff.
FootnotesTogether with his father, William, E. Ohly operated the renowned Berkeley Gallery on Davies Street, London. The Berkeley Gallery became a pivotal location in the mid-20th century London art scene. Ohly sold numerous antiquities to the British Museum, London, while also amassing an exceptional collection of his own.
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 Silver Snake-Headed Bracelet
1st century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising a round-section shank and flattened finials: one with punched annulet detailing and ring-and-dot eyes, the other smaller with punched pellets. 61.5 grams, 81 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Coiled Ring
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
With round-section hoop tapering to coiled wire plaques at the bezel and coiled sleeves. 4.52 grams, 24.66 mm overall, 15.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze 'Horn Cap'
2nd century B.C.-early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £94
Sceptre head or other fitting with biconvex flange, domed finial. 46.7 grams, 34 mm
Found UK. From the collection of a Yorkshire gentleman. Property of a private collector, West London, UK.
Twenty or so 'horn caps' are known in museums and private collections, all have been found in Britain and mostly in Southern England. Their exact function is unclear; early suggestions that they are axle fittings for chariots no longer holds weight. The shaft hole is too small and they do not appear in grave contexts containing chariots. A more likely hypothesis is that they were ceremonial, possibly a staff head or chair or saddle finial.
