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LOT 1558
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Phallic Head Terminal
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (30 grams, 30 mm).
Tubular shank with gussets above the rim, D-shaped face with swept-back hair, inset glass eyes; cracked. [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. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, vol. 2, Reading, 2010, plate 211 for similar form of head on a full-length figure.
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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Celtiberian Gold Neck Torc
4th-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £14,950
A heavy penannular neck torc with carinated body and tapering coiled terminals. 165 grams, 14.8 cm
Nefer Gallery, Zurich, 1980s. French private collection. with Christie's, Ancient Jewelry, New York, 7 December 2006, no.224 (US$ 20,000-$30,000). French private collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Fish Statuette
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Modelled in the round with dorsal and lateral fins; mounted on a custom-made stand. 110 grams total, 61 mm wide 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. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Strap Junction with Animal Face
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Modelled in the half-round, stylized features, possibly a lion. 20.1 grams, 44 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.
Such strap dividers are thought to date to the late Iron Age, to the late 1st century BC or early 1st century AD. They were used from Celts and Romans (or from the Celt Auxiliaries inside the Roman Army) for horse harness and also by the Essedarii (chariot fighters of Celtic origins) for the horses of their chariots in the Roman Circuses.
