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LOT 0074
Scythian Electrum Torc
7TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
6 1/2 in. (169 grams, 16.5 cm diameter).
Formed as a simple penannular hoop from a single piece of electrum, tapering towards the terminals.
ProvenanceEx Jack Ogden, 1990s.
Accompanied by an expertise from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number [191101].
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13106-248042.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession Number: 47.100.13, for similar.
FootnotesPortable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis confirms the alloy to be electrum, with an average composition of approximately 62% gold, 34% silver, and 3% copper. The purity and metal ratios are consistent with ancient manufacture. The restrained form, lacking figural ornament, is characteristic of early Scythian metalwork and suggests a date prior to the 5th century BC.
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