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LOT 0528
Villanovan Bronze Horse Bit
IRON AGE, CIRCA 8TH CENTURY B.C.
10 1/2 in. (280 grams, 26.9 cm).
A snaffle bit with a loop at each outer end with ferrous remains and a three-lobed strap junction attached to the straight mouth bars. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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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Phoenicio-Punic Terracotta Goddess Tanit Figure
Late 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Modelled in the round, wearing a long dress and a veil, standing on a pedestal with her arms raised at her chest; mounted on a custom-made display stand with an old collector's sticker. 275 grams, 19.2 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by a collector's data information card with collection reference no.113. -
Phoenician Terracotta Bulla with a Dolphin
5th century B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (‡+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £67
Plano-convex in profile with impressed dolphin and legend. 1.05 grams, 17.71 mm
Acquired in 1994. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This Phoenician terracotta bulla, decorated with a dolphin, reflects the strong maritime identity of the Phoenician world. Bullae were typically used to seal documents or goods, serving both a practical and symbolic function in trade and administration. The dolphin, a creature closely associated with the sea, would have held particular meaning for the Phoenicians, whose culture and prosperity were deeply tied to seafaring and commerce across the Mediterranean. Often seen as a symbol of protection, guidance, and safe passage, the dolphin adds an additional layer of meaning to the object, suggesting not only its use in everyday transactions but also a connection to the wider beliefs and environment of the ancient coastal world. -
Greek and Byzantine Ceramic Oil Lamp Collection
5th century B.C.-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising: a squat oil lamp with wreath surrounding the large filler hole, radiating sun motif on the base; the two larger terracotta lamps with open reservoirs with a central cone open beneath, short nozzle. 473 grams total, 9.2-17.8 cm
Ex R.C. collection. Acquired by Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, from the above in 2010.