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Stories by TimeLine Auctions
Auctioneers' call to arms
This heavily ornamented iron age Celtic armring, left, took top honours in Timeline Auctions' (24% buyer's premium including VAT) May 24 sale in London back in 2016. A memorable sale and a remarkable item.
Made 2500 years ago, it has survived in remarkably good condition with two well-defined adorsed heads separated by a conical band, with high cheek bones, protruding chins and almond shaped eyes.
A pair of stylised palmettes, presumably lifted from a 2nd or 3rd century BC Greek building, gave an unusual touch to this Celtic object.
Last on the market in 2000 and estimated at £80,000-£120,000 it came down to a bidding battle between a German gentleman, who had flown into view the object, and an American private phone bidder; the latter securing it with a £90,000 bid.
Christie's New York sold a similar Celtic gold bracelet with less pronounced faces for a premium-inclusive $230,500 (around £147,750) in December 2011.
Author, Antiques Trade Gazette
