Loading, please wait...
LOT 1689
Iron Age Celtic Bronze 'Horn Cap'
2ND CENTURY B.C.-EARLY 1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (46.7 grams, 34 mm).
Sceptre head or other fitting with biconvex flange, domed finial.
ProvenanceFound UK.
From the collection of a Yorkshire gentleman.
Property of a private collector, West London, UK.
Cf. Jope, E. M., Early Celtic Art, Oxford, 2000, pl.302-3, described as a vehicle pole and yoke fittings; Macdonald, P., Llyn Cerrig Bach. A Study of the Copper Alloy Artefacts from the Insular La Tène Assemblage, Cardiff, 2007, fig.23, item 49.
FootnotesTwenty 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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
.jpg)
Late Iron Age Enamelled Bronze Brooch Set
Circa 3rd-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,275
An Eastern European necklace and pendant set comprising: two trapezoidal openwork plaques with loops to the rear with red and white enamelled panels and bar with rings; two rectangular openwork plaques with red enamel geometric detailing, lateral square-section bells; C-shaped openwork collar with red enamel panel supporting a crescentic plaque with white enamelled discoid centre and transverse bar, two pendant discoid plaques with lateral lugs and openwork red-enamelled pendant discs with T-shaped radiating lugs; set in a custom-made velvet-backed display frame. 4.3 kg, 74 x 38 cm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old German, Munich, collection. From the private collection of John Lawton, Surrey, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12057-214201. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Bracelet
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising a penannular round-section body with hammered terminals, punched pellet decoration to each of the finials. 27.3 grams, 67 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
.jpg)
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Animal Toggle
50 B.C.-100 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Comprising a tapering cylindrical shank with horse-head finial, mane extending to the rear, vertical slot; collar to the base developing to a bull's head with curved horns, ring-and-dot eyes; mounted on a custom-made stand. 9.42 grams, 33 mm (18.1 grams total, 62 mm including stand)
Acquired by Robin Symes in the 1990s. From the collection of Robin Symes, released by the liquidators of Robin Symes Limited in 2012, with inventory number 89.111. with ArtAncient Ltd, 2013. Private collection, London.
