Large Celtic Iron Open Socketted Splayed Axehead

With a flaring blade and a rectangular socket open on one side. 424 grams, 12.5 cm



Ex M. Spiegelberg collection, since 1989-1992; thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous yellow cataloguing slip.

Each round in section with tapering ends formed into a tight coil. 29.8 grams total, 58-59 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

Depicted in a dynamic pose with its front legs raised and the weight of the body borne on its hind legs, flared nostrils and large, round eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 165 grams total, 73 mm wide including stand



Found Hampshire, UK, in the 1980s. From the collection of the late David Miller of Hemel Hempstead, UK, and a Cambridge collection of the 2000s. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13378-258774.

The small statuettes of boars found in Roman Britain and Gaul were likely used as votive figurines for cult places. They were widespread in the Roman provinces of Celtic origin. However, one cannot exclude the fact that many boars found in Britain belong to the pre-conquest era. One of the few types of bronze figurines that are known to precede the arrival of the Romans is, in fact, that of the boars.