Lot 1025

Description

Probably associated complex of bronze jewelry with types largely belonging to the spectrum of the so-called Graeco-Macedonian bronzes (Bouzek, Jan 1974: Graeco-Macedonian Bronzes. Prague). The striking occurrence of four clearly matching pairs of ring jewelry, as well as the largely uniform surface condition, suggest that this represents a largely complete set of metallic dress fittings from an Early Iron Age costume, with individual elements clearly rooted in Late Bronze Age and Urnfield traditions (e.g. nos. 1–4 and 9 below). In detail: 1–2) Pair of high spiral armrings with 15 coils (Bouzek group 11.I.A) and incised decoration on the three uppermost and lowermost coils. Height approx. 7 cm each, diameter approx. 6.5 cm each. 3–4) Pair of low spiral armrings with 7 coils, undecorated. Height approx. 2.5 cm each, diameter approx. 6 cm each. 5–6) Pair of simple armrings with 1½ coils (Bouzek group 11.1.B). Outer and inner sides slightly convex, the outer side more so, with distinct upper and lower edges with soft transitions. remains of incised decoration visible on one terminal. Diameter 7 cm each. 7–8) Pair of closed armrings, 1.5 cm wide, slightly convex on the outside, sharp edges and rough concave channel on the inside. Diameter 7.5 cm. 9) Early Iron Age fibula comprising two ten-coil spiral discs, connected in an S-shape and slightly conically raised at the centre (Bouzek group 12.A “spectacle fibulae”). The terminals led through small openings at the centre to the bottom, where they are bent to form a catch plate and pin holder. Iron oxides on the catch plate and pin holder indicate that the fibula was two-part, with a separately made iron pin that is no longer preserved. Length 11.5 cm. 10–13) Three cone-shaped pendants, each with three rod-shaped clappers at the lower end (Bouzek group 7.E “Macedonian bell pendants”). Profiled with ribs at the top below the eyelet, fine incised decoration of horizontal lines at the lower end of the cone, below which three eyelets for the movable clappers, which are profiled at the ends with constrictions. Length 12 cm (2x) and 9 cm. 14–15) Two decorative buttons in the shape of a Cross pattée with a band-shaped loop on the reverse. On the front, circular eyes on the arms of the Cross, with a boss at the centre, stepped on one example. Width 3.1 cm each. 16) Domed decorative button with five roundels on the border (Bouzek only from 6 roundels onward, groups 13.E1–E3). Width 3.3 cm. 17) Three conjoined decorative buttons in the shape of Crosses pattée with outwardly rounded arms (Bouzek group 13.F). Circular eyes at the centre of each of the three Crosses, all connected on the reverse by a wide band. Bridges between the band and the buttons create three loops. Length 5.4 cm. 18) Wheel-shaped pendant with a Cross and four piercings at the centre, wide border with circular eyes on the outside (Bouzek group 13.B). Without loop on reverse. Width 5.5 cm. 19) Disc-shaped pendant with central boss, four small almond-shaped piercings and two band-shaped loops on the reverse. Width 4.2 cm. 20) massive double-conical bead with a beaded border (Bouzek group 10.E2). Length 2.8 cm. 21) Unusual pendant with a slot on the front and two lateral perforations, whose shape is reminiscent of the bird bodies seen on other pendant groups, though without a head or tail. The emphasis on the sides by means of holes or knobs also occurs there. Length 4.5 cm. All pieces with slightly rough surface due to oxide deposits and incrustations. CULTURAL ASSET!

Provenance: Private collection in southern Germany, acquired in October 2012 from Hermann Historica, Auction 65, Lot 447. Previously in a private collection in Vienna.

Condition: II - Questions about the lot?