Lot 7A
Central Europe, Hungary, Bronze Age, ca. 12th to 8th century BCE. What a display of ancient wealth! A giant bronze fibula, made from a series of looped, coiled, and spiraled thick bronze rods bound together by three flattened bronze straps. Four spectacle-style spirals are on each side of the straps, forming the bow of the fibula; atop them is a large loop that was once a complete spiral (see the example from Christie's below) that formed the catch-plate. At the opposite end there would once have been a hinge. This style of brooch is known as "Posamenterie" after the archaeological site where one was first found, located in Silesia (modern day Poland, Germany, and Czech Republic). They are found from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and seem to have originated in the fertile valleys that drain the Carpathians. They are often found in graves and hoards with swords and lugged axes. This form is the most distinctive and striking of the European fibulae. Comes with custom stand. Size: 4.5" W x 11.7" H (11.4 cm x 29.7 cm); height on stand: 14.75" (37.5 cm).
An intact example sold at Christie's for $4182 in 2003: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-central-european-bronze-fibula-hungary-middle-4205039-details.aspx?from=salesummary&pos=10&intObjectID=4205039&sid=c0a228b7-1a8e-42a6-996a-38b84a7ab3a4&page=6
Provenance: private York, England collection acquired before 1995
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#122188
- Condition: Center of largest spiral is lost, as is the bottom hinge. Slight bending to form, with nice blue-green patina.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |