Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0275

'The Braintree' Bronze Age Axehead and Foundry 'Carp's Tongue/Ewart Phase' Hoard

DEPOSITED CIRCA 900-800 B.C.

7/8 - 4 3/8 in. (5.20 kg total, 2-11 cm).

Being an entire 'founder' hoard deposit comprising: complete socketted axes (6; three with linear ornament to sockets); fragments of socketted and earlier type palstave axes (18, including two that fit together); fragments of other items (4) and pieces of copper 'bun' ingot (8). [36]

Provenance

Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Braintree, Essex, UK, on 14th August 2019.

Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BM-C514EA and with a copy of the Harwich Museum loan form.
Disclaimed under the Treasure Act with reference number 2019 T731.

Published

The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), reference BM-C514EA (this find).
Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 29th June-4th September 2023.

Literature

See Pendleton, Colin F., Bronze Age Metalwork in Northern East Anglia, BAR British Series 279, 1999, for much information on similar pieces found in East Anglia; see also Evans, John, The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881.

Footnotes

The composition of this hoard is quite typical of similar deposits found across south-eastern England and dating to the Late Bronze Age; most such finds include broken fragments together with pieces of ingot and some complete items, as seen here. It is unusual to see an entire deposit offered together as most such are either held in museums or have been divided up.

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 0275

'The Braintree' Bronze Age Axehead and Foundry 'Carp's Tongue/Ewart Phase' Hoard

Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Bronze Age Decorated Sceptre Head
    Bronze Age Decorated Sceptre Head
    1200-1000 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860

    The stem composed of two vertically arranged bicones, conical knop to chest, collar and broad everted head above, two downwards-directed tapering round-section arms; mounted on a custom-made display base. 621 grams total, 29.5 cm wide including stand



    Acquired in Europe before 2000. Private collection, Europe.

    Lot Details

  • Bronze Age Axel Guttman European Bronze Rapier with Spirals
    Bronze Age 'Axel Guttman' European Bronze Rapier with Spirals
    16th-14th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380

    With swollen tapering blade, finely incised with concentric rings and spirals at the top of the blade and extended parallel lines; pierced hilt for the fastening of an organic hilt; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 520 grams total, 43.5 cm high including stand



    Ex Axel Guttmann collection, AG 1033. The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Part 2, 28 April 2004, lot 17. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11829-207734.

    From the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C., the bronze sword became the most efficient and feared weapon, as well as the symbol of an aristocratic warrior.

    Lot Details

  • Bronze Age European Spearhead
    Bronze Age European Spearhead
    Late 2nd-early 1st millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £150

    Leaf-shaped, with bevelled edges and lozenge-sectioned mid-rib, socket pierced twice. 211 grams, 37.4 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

    The shape of the blade resembles a willow leaf with its widest part situated in the middle of its length. The origin of this shape is still not very clear. It was probably invented somewhere in Anatolia or the Near East. In the Aegean it appears for the first time in LH II A, before spreading around Western Europe.

    Lot Details

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