ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

Artifacts, Antiques & Fine Collectibles

 

 

Ancient Bronze Axe-Shaped Celtic Earring

Found in Britain

c. 400—100 BCE

 

Item:        Ancient Celtic Bronze Earring

Find Location: UK

Material: Bronze alloy

Est. Date:  400 BC—100 BC

Provenance: Metal Detector find in Britain in 1980s. Purchased in Britain and in my personal collection for 20+ years.

Condition:  Museum Quality with age appropriate green oxidation.


DETAILS



A small, Bronze Celtic Earring with suspended Axe shaped Pendant.

The earring is made by single wire that was twisted through the hole in the axe.



Miniature models of military axe heads were made to wear as jewelry for both men and women.  The axe was a symbol of military power and strength. These small axes were sometimes also made as votive offerings. Votives were offering to the gods either as gifts to encourage a friendly hearing for a prayer, or as a thank-offering for good fortune.  


Total length: 1.23"

Condition:  Superb green bronze patina. Very good state of historic preservation.  Recommended only for display.  



 Ancient Bronze Artifacts


This small Celtic earring has a beautiful, old patina with some signs of oxidation of the two main elements (tin and copper) that make up this exquisite bracelet.  One interesting property of bronze is that once it has oxidized superficially, a copper oxide layer is formed on the surface and essentially protects the object from further damaging corrosion.  This protective layer turns in another compound, called copper carbonate for you scientists, that protects most bronze pieces from even corrosive saltwater. 




Museums and modern archeological studies usually use the general term “copper alloy” instead of just the term “bronze” to describe these ancient treasures, as many other elements (such as tin, lead, zinc, iron, and even arsenic) were added to the copper to form different strengths of types of bronze items.  Ancient bronze artifacts such as this Celtic earring are probably about 80% copper and 20% tin, while modern bronze is closer to 88% copper and 12% tin.

 



I have carefully examined this item under 10x magnification and it also shows authentic and original signs of weathering and ground contact that help to further authenticate it as an ancient piece.  You will not be disappointed! 


 

 It has a wonderful old, patina that is absolutely fabulous: a greenish patina from the malachite in the surrounding soil.  This combination of colors forms a fantastic patina that is typical of bronze that has been buried for over 2,000 years.  Close examination with a microscope under natural and black light reveal it to be 100% authentic and cast by hand in a sand mold.



Price & Value

 

Each object I sell is professionally researched, translated (if I can...(smile), and compared with similar objects in the collections of the finest museums in the world. I have been dealing in fine antiquities for over 45 years and although certainly not an expert in every field, I have been honored to appraise, buy, collect, and enjoy and recently sell some of the finest ancient art in the world. When in doubt, I have worked with dozens of subject matter experts to determine the condition and authenticity of numerous antiquities and antiques. This careful examination helps to insure you are buying quality items and helps to protect your investment. There are many modern reproductions or "fakes" on the market today, so be sure and buy only from experts in the field.

 

 Please examine the macro photos taken at indoors carefully as they are part of the description.

The digital caliper and the stand are not part of the auction, just included to give you a better perspective.

And please ask any questions before you buy. 

 

 

Thanks for looking! 

 


Note:  Please ask any questions you may have before you bid!  Thanks for Looking!

 


 Per e-Bay's rules, PayPal only please! 

THANKS!


 

 

 

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