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LOT 1709
Romano-Celtic Bronze Double Bezel Ring
1ST CENTURY B.C.-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.38 grams, 23.00 mm overall, 17.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
Comprising a D-section hoop with the bezel formed of two rods joined at the centre. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Henkel, F., Die Romische Fingerringe der Rheinlande, Berlin, 1913, item 1042, pl.XLI, for the type.
FootnotesA similar ring was found in Cologne, Luxembourg Strasse, this type of ring often being found in gold.
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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British Celtic Bronze Ring with Concentric Design
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising a D-section hoop with horizontal lines at the shoulders, a discoid bezel with ring-and-dot design. 3.35 grams, 23.20 mm overall, 20.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
Found Norfolk, UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Similar types of Celto-Roman bronze rings were found in the Thames in spoil heaps dating to the 1st century A.D. The most prolific finger rings in use throughout the Roman occupation were in bronze, and some forms were borrowed from Celtic arts and patterns. -
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
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.
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. -
Romano-British Bronze Child's Ring
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Slender hoop with the bezel formed of three circular cells, each recessed to accept enamel. 0.91 grams, 18.90 mm overall, 16.38 x 13.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)
Found Kent, UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Some of these rings, found in the children's graves, bear the inscription TOT and were dedicated to the devotion of the god Totatis, a Celtic divinity absorbed into the Romano-British pantheon. Originally, our ring was ornamented with enamel.
