Iron Age Celtic Horse Bit

Formed as a facetted cross, each arm terminating in a human mask with helical projection to each temple; the masks depicting a triangular face with lentoid eyes and close-fitting cap; to the reverse, a substantial pin and catchplate; complete. 19 grams, 36 mm



Found Ringstead, Norfolk, UK, 1989. Acquired late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.

Of type CE16, with two opposed crescent moons between two bars and a ball at each point (similar to motif on numerous silver coins of the Iceni, cf. ABC 1657-81). 14.2 grams, 28 mm



Found Litcham, Norfolk, UK. Ex Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s. Collection number CE16. Accompanied by a Chris Rudd information card.

Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s.

The facial features carefully moulded with oversized, almond-shaped eyes and a rope around the neck; hollow to the reverse with a central iron mounting peg, the void filled with lead. 54 grams, 45 mm high



Found East Anglia, UK.