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hand side of the figured plate by means of the iron rivet in the corners.
Remnants of the iron rivet in the perforations of the U-shaped plate.
The position of the holes in the U-shaped plate correspond exactly to
the position of those on the figurative plate. In its original position, the
attached metal sheet formed the hinge eyelet, which held the lost, second
long side of the iron frame, only fragments of which are still preserved.
2) Silver-plated sheet iron. The upper and lower edges curving distinctly
outwards and edged with a round, bulging ridge of silver metal strips.
The underside of the iron base plate extensively preserved, the section
near the narrow side edge broken off and lost. This end originally ex-
tending conically over the silver cover plate, terminating in a belt hook.
The lateral edges of the silver metal sheet with a repoussé border of dou-
ble lines on the front, filled with concentric circles, which have been
hammered from beneath. The centre with a prominent, contoured rib
of roof-shaped section, which has also been hammered from beneath.
One iron rivet at the top and five at the bottom on each side of this rib,
formerly with caps on the obverse, of which only traces of oxide on the
round borders remain. The wider end of the silver metal sheet is turned
inwards around the iron base plate, thereby forming a sleeve for the
hinge. The bend containing an iron hinge bar, with which the fastening
plate was flexibly attached to the belt. The inner surface with the oxi-
dised remnants of the iron base plate, in which the bases of the above
rivets can be seen in places. Remnants of fabric preserved in the oxide
layer. Length when bent 27.5 cm. Maximum width (height) 18.3 cm.
Extraordinarily well preserved, decorative plaque forming part of a
splendid belt, the large, glossy metal surface of which making a striking
impression on the original, matching attire.
From the Central Balkans to the northern Black Sea area, belts of
Laminci type were common luxury articles among the local popu
lation, thanks to East Celtic or Celtic influences. The belts were also
prized as valuable, diplomatic gifts within these population groups,
for example. Presumably part of women's garb in the Central Balkans.
With regard to the eastern distribution area, these belts may also have
been worn by men. A particularly imposing dress accessory from the
south east European Barbaricum shortly before the Roman conquest;
it may be considered an exceptionally beautiful and significant
example of its type on account of the rare figurative embellishment
and its unusual size.
Provenance:
Private Austrian collection, acquired from the stock of an
Austrian art dealer during the 1990s.
245686
II -
€ 25.000
East Celtic appliqués from a magnificent silver belt, middle to the
2nd half of the 1st century B.C.
Two elements of a magnificent, silver-plated belt of Laminci A type,
Jarak group. A rectangular appliqué plate with figurative representa-
tions and an enormous belt hook were flexibly connected by means of
an upright oblong iron frame. The longest sides of which were originally
positioned in the lateral hinge channels of the two appliqué plates. Only
one long side of the iron frame is still in place in the hinge channel of
the belt hook.
1) Almost square appliqué plate for a magnificent silver belt. Sturdy
sheet silver, bent into a U shape on the upper and lower edges. The tur-
ned-over edges on the back pierced with small holes. The front embel-
lished with repoussé figurative ornamentation from beneath: a sloping,
fluted border around the edge, concentric circles in the corners. Four
perforations in the spandrels of this border. Traces of oxidation, indica-
ting that these originally contained iron rivets, covered with round caps,
the edges leaving depressions in the metal in places. A depiction in the
middle of an armed horseman, wearing a belt.
The outer contours of the entire figure, including every individual part,
directly enclosed with a row of fine dots, punched from the top. Addi-
tional rows of dots along the inner edge of the horseman's thighs and
torso, presumably to indicate clothing. Other rows of dots encircling the
shield boss and below the short hairs of the horse's upright mane. Two
single dots representing the rider's mouth, dots arranged in a V-shape
for the horse's muzzle. The horse decorated with three concentric circles
on the hind flank and again across the neck and shoulder; a seventh
on the head serves as the eye. A cone-shaped appendage on the fore-
head, possibly designed as brow ornamentation. The tail hanging loose;
moreover, the semi-erect phallus identifies the horse as a stallion. The
horseman's upper body turning to face the beholder. The rider holding
a lozenge-shaped shield in his left hand, a sword in his right hand, the
pommel and quillons of which represented by concentric circles. Width
9.5 cm. Height 9.7 cm.
Remarkable specimen of Balkan silver toreutics, dating from the late
Latène period. Of the utmost rarity with a figurative depiction in such
superb quality. The style and technique indicate a certain resemblance
to representations on the well-known, late Celtic Gundestrup cauld-
ron, for which research has repeatedly also postulated influences from
South-East Europe.
Also included is a metal sheet, curved into a U-shape, with perforated
appendages at all four ends, which was originally attached to the right-