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Click here to subscribe14th-10th century BC. A large triangular Bronze Age blade with median ridge and round-section tang, rounded shoulders with thickened sections, tip lost in antiquity. Cf. Khorasani, M.M. Arms and Armour from Iran - The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, p.628, Cat.275, inventory no.25383/8380. 390 grams, 41.7cm (16 1/2"). From an old English collection; acquired on the UK art market before 1970. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
10th century BC. A bronze short sword with parallel-sided blade, square-section midrib developing to a low ridge, raised crescentic guard to each face, conical segmented pommel and ribbed grip. Cf. Khorasani, M.M. Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, fig.20. 927 grams, 62.5cm (24 1/2"). Ex German private collection, Cologne, 1980s. . Fine condition.
14th-15th century AD. A gilt-bronze D-section hoop with vertical ribs to the shoulders, octagonal plaque with scooped sides, panels of geometric ornament to the shoulders, rosette on a hatched field to the bezel. See Oman, C.C. British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, plate 21 for type. 7.92 grams, 24mm overall, 19.01mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 9, Europe 19.69, Japan 19) (1"). UK art market, acquired prior to 2000. . Very fine condition.
14th-16th century AD. A Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze model of a deer, modelled supine on its front legs, head bent and looking upwards; finely detailed fur markings and details to the face. 1.30 kg, 15cm (6"). Ex North London collection; acquired in London, UK, in the late 1990s. This would have formed part of a group of two deer looking up at the eight spoked wheel, known as dharmachakra, and which represents the teachings of the Buddha. The deer allude to the Deer Park at Sarnath in Northern India where the Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after gaining enlightenment. The deer also has an association with long life in both Chinese and Tibetan lore. The deer can also represent the disciples of the Buddha as they attentively listen to the teachings of their master, and in Buddhism, the deer symbolizes harmony, happiness and peace . Very fine condition.
2nd-4th century AD. A pair of bronze dress pins comprising: one with round-section shank, square-section balustered block, finial of addorsed bird-heads with enamelled eyes; one a truncated shaft with ribbed block and stylised bird modelled in the round supporting across on the head. 18 grams total, 70-125mm (2 3/4 - 5"). Property of an Essex, UK collector; acquired London art market, 1960s-1980s. [2, No Reserve]. Fine condition, one shank absent.
10th-14th century AD. A group of eight bronze trade weights, each with gussets to the rim, impressed point to the centre of each face, the largest with hatched panels and pointillé 'H I N' to one face. See Weber, K. Byzantinische Münzgewichte: Materialkorpus für 1-Nomisma-Gewichte, Schwelm, 2009, for discussion. 238 grams total, 19-42mm (3/4 - 1 3/4"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [8, No Reserve]. Fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A bronze axehead with ovoid socket and ribbed tongue-shaped blade, two elliptical piercings to each face extending to the socket. See discussion in Godard, F. The Art of Iran, London, 1965, p.76-82. 139 grams, 94mm (3 3/4"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [No Reserve]. Fine condition, some pitting.
2nd millennium BC. A hollow-formed bronze tubular finial with flared base, addorsed bird-head finials each with pellet eyes, raised comb, median piercing, ribbed bands to the body and beneath the beaks. 82 grams, 49mm (2"). Private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK; acquired prior to 2000. . Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A matched pair of bronze discoid convex mounts each with three attachment holes, high-relief facing bust of Medusa. The face of Medusa, called the gorgoneion, was used as an amulet to ward off bad luck. 53 grams, 39-41mm (1 3/4"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [2, No Reserve]. Fine condition, ferrous accretion to holes.
10th-11th century AD. A bronze lozengiform plate brooch with four round voids, Borre Style detailing, bear-head finials; pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse. See Kershaw, J. Viking Identities: Scandinavian Jewellery in England, Oxford, 2013, p.43-49. 7.69 grams, 32mm (1 1/4"). Property of a Dutch collector; acquired from Dirk Kennis - Works of Art, Antwerp, Belgium, in 2009; acquired from the UK under export licence number PAU/0054/09; found Essex. Accompanied by a copy of the certificate of authenticity from Dirk Kennis. The bear was especially associated with the class of Viking warriors known as Beserkers. The shamanism of the pre-Christian Norse and other Germanic peoples took several different forms. Among the most common of these forms, especially for men, was the attainment and use of an ecstatic battle-fury closely linked to a particular totem animal, usually a bear or a wolf, and often occurring within the context of certain formal, initiatory military groups. The Old Norse word Beserkir means 'bear-shirt' and refers to the practice of dressing in a ritual costume made from the hide of the totem animal, an outward reminder of the wearer’s having gone beyond the confines of his humanity and become a divine predator. On the battlefield the Beserker would go into a trance, take on the rage of the animal and would often enter the fray naked but for his animal mask and pelts. . Fine condition.
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A gilt-bronze figure of a reclining ox, head held down and with horns curving into the centre of the head; legs folded under body and with short tail to the rear; hollow to the underside. 164 grams, 65mm (2 1/2"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. . Very fine condition.
1st-3rd century AD. A mixed group of bronze keys comprising: three ring type with pierced plaque; three ring type with offset bits to the rectangular bezel; three with flat-section bow and offset bits; a barrel type with flange bit. 153 grams total, 23-73mm (1 - 3"). UK art market, acquired prior to 2000. [10]. Fine condition.
19th-20th century AD. A hollow-formed gilt-bronze statuette of Maitreya seated on a rectangular throne flanked by blossoms, hands held in the gesture of instruction. 3.1 kg, 28cm (11"). UK art market, acquired prior to 2000. Maitreya is the Buddha of the future and it is believed that he will appear on Earth in three thousand years to re-establish the teachings of the Buddha. He is said to reside in the Tushita heaven meditating and he will be crowned by Buddha as his successor. His name means 'friendship' and he is living his final existence as a Bodhisattva; after arriving on Earth he will gain enlightenment and enter Nirvana. His worship appeared early on in Buddhism and he has been a popular figure in China, Tibet and Japan. . Fine condition.
4th century AD. A mixed group of bronze crossbow brooches comprising: one with polyhedral knops, narrow bow, chamfered footplate; one similar, broad bow with punched triangles, onion-shaped knops; one similar, undulating line of punched points to the bow and footplate. Cf. Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1265, 1267; Hattatt, R. Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, 1676. 97 grams total, 68-73mm (2 3/4 - 3"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1995. [3]. Fine condition.
2nd century AD. A bronze brooch of a stylised bird in flight with ring-and-dot detailing, pin with spring and catchplate to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1150. 5.66 grams, 39mm (1 1/2"). Property of a London, UK collector; acquired London market, 1990s. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A bronze weight formed as a dolphin with tail arched, scale detail to the body, flat underside to the body; the lower body with enigmatic Greek text '???????'. 98 grams, 54mm (2 1/4"). Private collection, North London; acquired in the early 1990s. . Very fine condition. Rare.
17th century AD. A bronze necklace set comprised of a chain formed from 'dogbone'-shaped flat plates connected with circular links; an eight-sided cross with lance and spear on either side and worn inscription. Cf. The Collection of Encolpions, Crosses and sacred Images of B.I and V.N Khanenko, Kiev, 1899, items 163-4. 67 grams, 75cm (29.5"). Property of an American collector; acquired 1980-2000. . Fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A bronze scalpel blade with rectangular-section block, round-section neck and leaf-shaped lentoid-section blade. Cf. Milne, J.S. Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times, Oxford, 1907 for discussion. 32 grams, 81mm (3 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1995. . Fine condition.
Western Han Dynasty, 204 BC-24 AD. A bronze figure of a reclining lion front legs extending forward, back legs bent under body; head held up and mouth open with lolling tongue; collar around neck decorated with chevron pattern and ring to the back; tail curled around the back; hollow to the underside. Cf. Lin, J. The Search for Immortality: Tomb Treasures of Han China, p.141 fig. 36. 380 grams, 13.5cm (5 1/4"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
9th-12th century AD. A group of bronze rings comprising: eight plaited rings, some with open ends; one band with engraved X-pattern; one openwork ring with series of round holes to the bezel. 28 grams, 25mm average (1"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [10, No Reserve]. Fair condition.
5th-8th century AD. A hemispherical bronze liturgical vessel with basal ring and everted rim, three holes below to accept hooks attached to arms and a suspension ring with expanding-arm cross and hook above. 132 grams, 24cm (9 1/2"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [No Reserve]. Fine condition; one suspension arm detached.
8th century BC. A matched pair of bronze brooches, each a flat-section arched bow with one end curved to form the catch and the other coiled to form the spring and pin; applied pellets to the bow and each end 42 grams total, 70-75mm (2 3/4 - 3"). Property of a European collector; acquired Europe, 1980s-1990s. [2, No Reserve]. Fine condition.
6th-10th century AD. A bronze steelyard and chains comprising: a square-section bar with one domed finial and one biconical, hinged suspension hooks to three faces, pointillé graduations to the shank; separate yoke with U-shaped hinged bar, two substantial chains each with a hook finial, and a smaller third hook. 896 grams total, steelyard: 49cm (19 1/4"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A mixed group of bronze phallic pendants, each with a suspension loop to the upper face. Cf. Rolland, H. Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 420-4. 34 grams total, 26-51mm (1 - 2"). Property of a European collector; acquired Europe, 1980s-1990s. [2, No Reserve]. Fine condition.
13th-6th century BC. A bronze short sword with cylindrical hilt and triangular blade and tip; the hilt hollow with holes for the retaining pin for the organic finial; the blade with thick medial rib. 251 grams total, 42.5cm (16 3/4"). From an old English collection; acquired on the UK art market before 1970. . Fair condition.
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A gilt bronze belt hook in the form of a crouching tiger with head turned back, tail looped over body and held in mouth; long tapering hook to the rear decorated with stylised dragon head; raised boss to the underside. 140 grams. 14cm (5 1/2"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. . Very fine condition.
1st century BC and later. A mixed group of mainly bronze items including: an amphora-shaped miniature vessel; a figurine of the Egyptian god Min; three hasps; a lute-player figurine; a crossbow brooch; a scorpion pendant; a La Tène style mount; an amphora-shaped strap end; a seal matrix; a reliquary cross pendant; a repoussé Corpus Christi, and other items. 591 grams total, amphora: 83mm (3 1/4"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [43, No Reserve]. Fair condition.
9th-11th century AD. A mixed group comprising: two plate brooches, each an openwork panel with interlace detailing, four raised discs, incised linear detailing, hinge and catch to the reverse; a restrung graduated group of glass beads and bronze discoid pendant with pellet design. 60 grams total, brooches: 62mm (2 1/2"). Property of a London businessman, from his grandfather's collection formed after World War II; thence by descent 1972. [3]. Very fine condition.
2nd-4th century AD. A bronze stand formed as a round-section shaft with lateral pegs, three-part finial supporting a separate plaque with lip to the border; discoid base with three feet each formed as a dolphin with raised tail. 596 grams, 28cm (11"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
5th-6th century AD. A gilt-bronze belt set comprising: a buckle with D-shaped loop, round-section tongue, triangular plaque with inset garnets cloisons; a rectangular plaque with garnet cloison elements comprising a central discoid, two lateral triangles and irregular panels, slider and studs to the reverse. 24 grams total, 33-44mm (1 1/4 - 1 3/4"). Property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. [2]. Fine condition.
14th-15th century AD. A D-section bronze hoop with expanding shoulders, ribbed cuffs, bezel a pair of clasped hands. See Oman, C.C. British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974 for discussion. 2.53 grams, 23mm overall, 17.45mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 7, Europe 14.51, Japan 14) (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1995. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
12th-16th century AD. A mixed group of bronze and iron items comprising: three strap ends with repeating plant pattern; a shield-shaped mount with leaf pattern to the top and sides, traces of silvering to the surface; a mount in the form of a four leafed flower with traces of gilding to the surface, three attachment lugs to the back; a mount in the form of an abstract scrolling plant motif; an oval mount with domed centre with incised triangle decoration, pelleted border and plate to one end with scrolling plant motif, large suspension ring to one end and two attachment lugs to the back; a belt plate with pelleted border with scrolling plant motif and strap hook to one side; a key with diamond-shaped openwork handle with three lugs; a harness decoration with two openwork fleur-de-lys suspended from a ring; an iron S-shaped rod with horse head to each end, ribbed collar half way along and square section with diamond to the centre; a gilt bronze mount in the form of a cherub head; a figure of a saint holding large cross and dressed in long robes; a pendant with a elongated nude female figure, hands on hips; a belt plate with stylised plant motitf, gilding between and rivet holes to the edge. 187 grams total, 17-59mm (3/4 - 2 1/4"). From an old German collection, formed in the 1990s. [15, No Reserve]. Fine condition.
1st millennium BC. A group of bronze items comprising: four Celtic ring money pieces; four arrowheads tips; two long nails(?), two small rings decorated with three pairs of bosses; a small penannular bracelet. 60 grams total, 16-93mm (1/2 - 3 1/2"). Property of a Surrey, UK, gentleman; acquired on the London art market 1990s. [13, No Reserve]. Fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. A bronze equal-armed cross with double suspension loop to the top, end of each arm two lobes; in the centre of the cross image of Christ wearing long robes and with arms outstretched. 31 grams, 64mm (2 1/2"). Property of a European collector; acquired before 2000. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
7th century AD. A gilt-bronze hollow-formed disc-shaped brooch with a central dot around which are four S-shaped birds with large eyes, curved beaks and bodies formed from interlaced lines; the outer sidewall with line decoration; remains of a catchplate to the reverse. Cf. MacGregor, A. et al. A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections (Roman Iron Age, Migration Period, Early Medieval), Oxford, 1997, item 2.2; Metropolitan museum of Art, New York, Accession Number: 53.48.6. 14.27 grams, 39mm (1 1/2"). Property of a 19th century collector; thence by descent. Accompanied by a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. This Scandinavian Vendel period brooch preceds the Viking Era both in history and art style, as we can observe the use of box and disc brooches in both eras. There were lively contacts with continental Europe, and the Scandinavians continued to export iron, fur and slaves; in return they acquired art and innovations, such as the stirrup. Some of the riches were probably acquired through the control of mining districts and the production of iron. The rulers had troops of mounted elite warriors with costly armour, since their graves were found with stirrups and saddle ornaments of birds of prey in gilded bronze with encrusted garnets. The geometric and interlaced patter was popular especially in Scandinavia, although we can find ornaments with similar motif among continental Germanic people. Abstractly designed small brooches like this were fashionable until larger and more massive Viking oval and drum brooches replaced them. . Very fine condition. Rare.
15th-16th century AD. A group of bronze bells, three with applied decoration possibly from the same workshop, one smaller plain, one plain with several cracks, one miniature bell pierced for attachment. 886 grams total, 2-11.5cm (3/4 - 4 1/2"). Property of a Surrey, UK, gentleman; acquired on the London art market 1990s. [6, No Reserve]. Fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A Carolingian or Ottonian flat-section gilt-bronze ring comprising of a hoop with knop to the underside, elliptical bezel with dentilled edge clasping a keeled rock crystal insert. 24 grams, 46mm overall, 20.31mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22) (1 3/4"). Property of a Middlesex gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. The supposedly magical properties of quartz have been recognised since the Neolithic and Bronze Age, where large quantities of pebbles are often associated with chambered tombs and burial mounds across sites in Britain, the Isle of Man and Ireland. In the Anglo-Saxon and Viking period beliefs in the supernatural qualities of the stone continued and examples have been found in a number of contexts associated with burials, such as perforated beads often in the shape of spindle whorls, spheres of rock crystal mounted in metal bands and simple opaque white pebbles. Later Anglo-Saxon manuscripts discuss the virtues of quartz as protecting the wearer from diseases, toothache, lightning and the evil eye. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A mixed group comprising: a bronze spoon with broad discoid bowl, flat-section shank, bone handle with bands of rosettes and ring-and-dot ornament to one face, incised zigzags to the reverse; a bone handle with zones of ring-and-dot ornament with incised bands and swags. 50 grams total, 10-20cm (4 - 8"). Property of an Essex, UK collector; acquired London art market, 1960s-1980s. [2, No Reserve]. Fine condition; rim of bowl damaged.
6th-7th century AD. A bronze ovoid plaque with two spikes to the reverse, panel of La Tène spiral comma-scrolls with central geometric detailing; pierced lug to the lower edge. See Bruce-Mitford, R. Ireland and the Hanging Bowls - A Review in Ryan, M. Ireland and Insular Art AD 500-1200, Dublin, 1985. 7.83 grams, 39mm (1 1/2"). Found East Anglia, UK; before 2000. Accompanied by a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. . Extremely fine condition. Very rare.
1st-2nd century AD. A bronze tripod vessel support comprising a flared circular base and three radiating feet; the ring with feather detailing to the outer face, rectangular plaque above each leg with geometric patterns, socket to the upper face, trapezoidal-section leg with lion's claw and rectangular pad. See similar in J.P.Getty Museum, object number 72.AC.135. 2 kg, 29cm (11 1/2"). Property of a German gentleman; acquired 1980-1990. . Very fine condition.
2nd century AD. A flat-section bronze S-shaped plate brooch of classic style with median enamel-filled hatched panel and flanking scrolls, T-shaped head to each end with curled snout, enamel pellet, ring-and-dot eye, raised triangular ear with enamel panels; projecting lug to upper edge of the body; ferrous stain from pin. Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, 1982, item 155 for type. The design of the present brooch mirrors that of the example on the front cover of Megaw, R. & V. Celtic Art - From its Beginnings to the Book of Kells, London, 1989. 17 grams, 67mm (2 1/2"). Found UK; before 2000. . Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A bronze figurine of an eagle in good style, with tail supporting the body. Cf. Rolland, H. Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 272. 37 grams, 37mm (1 1/2"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [No Reserve]. Fine condition.
2nd-1st century BC. A group of three Hellenistic hollow-formed bronze couch legs, each comprising a sequence of waisted and balustered elements, flared foot, drum-shaped top with domed upper face, pair of vertical slots. 7.5 kg total, 38-40cm (15 - 16"). From a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [3, No Reserve]. Fine condition.
7th-10th century AD. A bronze pivoting trigger(?) in the form of a gryphon with extended fore-limbs, the claws of each foot further extending to form an oval platform; below the extended neck a hole for a shaft; the mouth with a further hole for a smaller shaft, the rear legs extend to form a toggle. 68 grams, 11.5cm (4 1/2"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. This item appears to be a rocking trigger for a device, possibly a dispenser of oil or other liquid. . Very fine condition.
2nd century AD. A flat-section bronze S-shaped fibula with lobed finials, enamelled panels to the body and comma-shaped flanges, ring-and-dot eyes, pin absent. 7.81 grams, 43mm (1 3/4"). Found UK; before 2000. Dragonesque brooches were made in the North of Britain between 50 and 150 AD. Prior to the arrival of the Romans, Celtic brooches were almost universally safety-pin-type. The Celts combined new Roman styles, including animal-shaped and flat brooches, with local styles of decoration familiar from jewellery and horse gear to create a new indigenous type. The dragonesque brooch shows the hybridization of cultures and the innovation of Celtic art on the edge of the Roman Empire. Approximately two hundred and fifty of these brooches have been found, mostly in the frontier area of Hadrian's Wall. . Very fine condition.
1st century BC. A hollow-formed bronze scabbard chape, scaphoid in plan with crescentic lower panel, carination and neck with flared rim and attachment pins. Cf. sword and scabbard summary typology in James, S. & Rigby, V. Britain and the Celtic Iron Age, London, 1997, fig.7. 30 grams, 57mm (2 1/4"). Found East Anglia, UK; before 2000. . Very fine condition. Scarce.
8th century BC. A domed bronze cap supporting a rectangular base with horse and rider figure, the rider with hands on hips, the horse with twisted reins, attached to an iron pin; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Godard, F. The Art of Iran, London, 1965 for discussion. 470 grams, 29.5cm (11 1/2"). Ex German collection, Cologne. . Fine condition. Rare.
Late Period, 664-332 BC. A bronze statuette of Osiris standing with crook and flail in his crossed hands, wearing the atef feathered crown; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Andrews, C. Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 12(d"). 74 grams, 11.5cm including stand (4 1/2"). From an early 20th century collection. . Fine condition.
2nd century AD. A bronze openwork plate brooch of a trophy with tendrils modelled in the half-round, hinged pin and catchplate to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1021 for type. 8.23 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Private collection, North London; acquired in the early 1990s. . Fine condition.
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