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LOT 0563
Large Villanovan Bronze Brooch Fragments
CIRCA 8TH CENTURY B.C.
3 1/2 - 3 3/4 in. (80.2 grams total, 88.7-95.5 mm).
Comprising a large convex bow decorated with deep grooves, and a fragment of a convex footplate, likely from the same brooch. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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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Villanovan Bronze Horse Bit
Iron Age, circa 8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
A snaffle bit with a loop at each outer end with ferrous remains and a three-lobed strap junction attached to the straight mouth bars. 280 grams, 26.9 cm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Scythian Bronze Finial with Animal Head
5th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Comprising an ellipsoid panel mounted on a conical socket; openwork lattice design with lozenge voids; socket with horse-head to one face, lateral lugs above the mouth. 570 grams, 24.6 cm
Private European collection, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. 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.13278-254311.
Bronze pole tops, together with mirrors and horse trappings, were characteristic of Scythian art. Usually, Scythian warrior burials were accompanied by horses, the number of which corresponded to the status of the deceased (Galanina, 1997, p.54, fig.16). In the famous Chrertomlyk barrow, together with a deposit of 250 bridles, several openwork pole-tops were found, with figures of animals and birds, which could have been mounts for the harness or top of standards. However, they could also have been the upper part of staff poles decorating funeral wagons. Pole tops are one of the most significant objects used by the Scythians, and formed part of the ritual furnishings. -
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Graeco-Persian Gold Ram-Shaped Amulet
3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £15,000 - 20,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £7,500
Modelled in the round in the form of a ram lying with its legs folded beneath the body, head turned with hooked horns, collar to the neck with a large pellet pendant; ribbed suspension loop behind the shoulders, mounting lug beneath the trunk. 12.87 grams, 30 mm
Private collection, acquired on the European art market in 2002. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, 8 June 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13204-249215.
The ram, a male symbol, was associated with various divinities. Turned into a ram as a child by Zeus, and a common sacrifice to the god, the ram was a symbol of Dionysus, which he shared with Aphrodite. Ram heads and pendants frequently occur in jewellery. In the animal kingdom, Eros favours the cockerel and the ram, both of which are indicative of sexual potency.
