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LOT 1550
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Mirror Handle
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (92 grams, 11.2 cm).
Handle for a hand-mirror formed as a large ring finial, two loops connected by a gussetted oblate bar, upper end developing to a volute scroll with symmetrically placed discs; La Tène design with swept curves throughout. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. Tassinari, S., La vaisselle de bronze, Romaine et Provinciale, au musée des antiquités nationales, Paris, 1975, fig.20, for type; similar though less ornate example in the British Museum under accession no.1981,0504.1.
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 Decorated Gold Ring
Circa 2nd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £425
Comprising a penannular hoop with tapering ends and panels of rib detailing. 2.42 grams, 22.15 mm overall, 18.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Acquired on the European art market in the 1980s. Ex property of a professional collector. From the private collection of John Lawton, Surrey, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous cataloguing information page. -
Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Irregular D-shaped head with reserved 'cap', almond-shaped eyes and slit mouth; pierced vertically from the D-shaped socket at the chin to the top of the head; possibly part of a furnace vent; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 10.65 kg total, 37 cm 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. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Boar
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
An exceptional figurine depicting a standing male boar with incised bristles; large head with prominent tusks and pricked ears, erect tail with large testes below; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 57 grams total, 47 mm including stand
Found Dorset, UK, in the 1980s. From Alexander Cotton collection of Celtic art, circa 1985.
