Loading, please wait...
LOT 0317
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Mirror
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
10 1/2 in. (355 grams, 27 cm).
Of tripartite form, comprising: the handle, the main mirror plate and tubular binding edge; the reverse of the mirror plate with traces of volute and spiral decoration, once covering the entire surface, thick applied border; separate handle comprising three fastening lobes and three openwork rings forming the grip, possibly a marriage.
ProvenancePrivate collection since the late 1990s.
Property of an English collector.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10603-174116.
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1924,0109.1, for a broadly similar example.
FootnotesSuch mirrors were a unique product of the Celts in Britain, during a period between 300 B.C. and 100 A.D., when they were buried in the graves of queens, high-born princesses and other noblewomen, or in treasure hoards. The majority of these graves are dated between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D. Most of the specimens come from Britain (Desborough, Oxfordshire, Old Warden, Shillington, Trelan Bahow, Mayer mirrors), and a few were found in the nearby regions of France or the Low Countries (e.g. the Dordrecht mirror).
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.
-
Iron Age Enamelled Bronze Horse Harness Pendant
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising two discs with three radiating lobes, red and yellow enamel infill, connected by a red enamelled triangular plaque to a thick suspension loop. 5.94 grams, 35 mm
Ex private collection, UK; formed in the 1980s. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Boar
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Likely a finial or other fitting, formed as the upper body of a boar with semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing; recess to base. 57 grams, 54 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Figure of a Man
Circa 1st century B.C.-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Formed with right hand raised and left hand on the hip, standing nude, ovate face with impressed eyes and slit mouth; mounted on a custom-made stand. 22.5 grams, 60 mm high (45.6 grams total, 71 mm including stand)
with the Prehistoric Museum, Dingle, Country Kerry, Republic of Ireland, until November 2018. Ex K. Schmidt collection, Cologne, Germany. Accompanied by an Irish export licence, no. 6570.
