Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1614
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Proto-Ring Money Collection
CIRCA 3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (100 grams total, 14-23 mm).
A bronze 'proto-money' or harness ring group comprising round-section rings. [40, No Reserve]
Provenance
From an English collection formed before 2000.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. MacGregor, A. (ed.), Antiquities from Europe and the Near East in the Collection of Lord McAlpine of West Green, Oxford, 1987, item 14.12, for type.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Modelled as a bridled and saddled bull, naturalistically rendered with well-defined facial planes, lending a vivid and expressive character to the figure; the edge of the saddle adorned with a delicate row of incised circles, broad hollowed out hooves. 48.6 grams, 54 mm long
Frank Sternberg collection, Zurich, 1980s. Private collection, acquired from Frank Sternberg in 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss register certificate, dated 29 March 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12729-234223. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The statuette likely served as a votive offering (ex-voto) at a sanctuary or temple, and closely parallels numerous Iberian examples recovered from sacred sites in Alicante, Valencia, and particularly in Andalusia. In Iberian culture, the bull was a potent symbol of strength, virility, and martial power—frequently associated with warrior deities. The inclusion of a saddle and bridle suggests domestication, and it is plausible that such animals, being more docile than horses, may have been ridden or equipped in ritual or ceremonial contexts. -
Iron Age Celtic Stone Head
Circa 2nd century B.C.-2nd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
An iconic Pagan sculpture with rounded forehead and chin, broad nose and recessed eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 17.2 k total, 30.5 cm including stand
From Staffordshire, UK. From a collection acquired on the UK art market. Property of a West Midlands, UK, private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Iron Age Celtic Silver Snake-Headed Bracelet
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
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. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
