Loading, please wait...

Romano-Celtic Bronze 'Raskelf' Dragonesque Brooch Romano-Celtic Bronze 'Raskelf' Dragonesque Brooch Romano-Celtic Bronze 'Raskelf' Dragonesque Brooch
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0303

Romano-Celtic Bronze 'Raskelf' Dragonesque Brooch

CIRCA 75-175 A.D.

2 in. (7.4 grams, 50 mm).

Comprising the majority of the S-shaped brooch with a transverse band across the centre filled with triangular and lozenge cells with enamel; the head with a large eye with light blue enamel, ridged and curving ear-terminal above; pin coiled around the neck of the beast. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Found whilst searching with a metal detector near North Yorkshire, UK, in 10 May 2023, by Mark Didlick.

Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.YORYM-1AFB8C.

Literature

Cf. Portable Antiquities Scheme reference nos.WAW-3F7030, NLM-5D7561, and LVPL-898482, for similar; cf. also Hattatt, R., A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches, Oxford, 2000, p.351, fig.210.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0303

Romano-Celtic Bronze 'Raskelf' Dragonesque Brooch

Sold for (Inc. bp): £416

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Iron Age Celtic Bronze Toggle Fastener
    Iron Age Celtic Bronze Toggle Fastener
    2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £26

    With median loop and gusseted disc finials. 14.6 grams, 25 mm



    Found Suffolk, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-189EE3.

    Lot Details

  • Romano-Celtic Bronze Raskelf Dragonesque Brooch
    Romano-Celtic Bronze 'Raskelf' Dragonesque Brooch
    Circa 75-175 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £416

    Comprising the majority of the S-shaped brooch with a transverse band across the centre filled with triangular and lozenge cells with enamel; the head with a large eye with light blue enamel, ridged and curving ear-terminal above; pin coiled around the neck of the beast. 7.4 grams, 50 mm



    Found whilst searching with a metal detector near North Yorkshire, UK, in 10 May 2023, by Mark Didlick. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.YORYM-1AFB8C.

    Lot Details

  • Iron Age Celtic Silver Duck Mount Group
    Iron Age Celtic Silver Duck Mount Group
    2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £221

    Each with saddle-shaped body, hatched bands, bulbous head, two with scooped beak and two with pointed beak; all concave to the underside. 11.1 grams total, 17-26 mm



    Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman; from his private collection acquired in continental Europe. Acquired on the UK art market in 2015. Property of a Kent lady collector.

    The duck appears in a number of contexts in Celtic art, mainly on vessels associated with feasting. Ducks are also sacred to the Gallic goddess, Sequana who had a major healing shrine based at the source of the river Seine in Burgundy, France. A bronze figure was found at the temple depicting Sequana standing in a boat which had a duck head at the prow. The duck appears to be an attribute of a celestial deity as well. We know that in the Celtic period the sun and sky gods were complicated figures who were linked not only with the heavens but also with water and the underworld. It is possible that the duck was perceived as a suitable solar emblem because it was both able to fly and swim, thus bringing together the elements of sky and water. To the pagan Celts, the sun and water were both related to healing and so it is possible that small votive images such as these were offered at shrines in the hope of a cure.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list