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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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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. -
Celtic to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
1st century B.C.-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising: five rings with decorative bezels; a penannular ring; an unfinished ring with a circular hole in the bezel. 24.4 grams total, 20-26 mm
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Among the group is one complete copper-alloy finger ring of late Iron Age to Roman date (200 B.C - 200 A.D.). It is coiled into a spiral of two and a half turns. Both ends terminated in a square end with rounded corners. -
Celtic Silver Ring
Iron Age, circa 2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Formed as a length of silver wire with two spiral loops above forming the bezel, the ends wrapped around the shank. 2.82 grams, 25.46 mm overall, 15.94x17.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
