Celtic Iron Age - Enamelled Cheek Piece Toggle > Lot No. 582

Description:
Circa 1st century BC. An extremely rare cast bridle cheek piece toggle of unusually large size with flared terminals, ornamented with a rectangle of twelve chequered enamelled cells, the panel tailing each end with a further six triangular cells; the arms with lines of engraved chevrons and the reverse with an engraved panel, divided diagonally in quarters.

Measurements:
102mm; 65 grams.

Condition:
Very fine, with much enamel in situ. One of the finest known examples.

References:
MacGregor, 45 & p. 38; cf Piggott; cf Mills, C49; Benet, No. I15.0202; BM, 'Later Prehistoric Antiquities', 1953, pl. XIII(4); Richborough V (OUP 1968), plate XXXIX, no. 144 (p. 97).

Comments notes:
There has been debate about the exact purpose of these enamelled 'toggle' pieces. Long thought of as bridle 'cheek pieces', modern research, from their occurrence in chariot burials, suggests that their use may have been with the chariots themselves, rather than being specifically part of the horse harness set.

Export licence:
No

Estimate: £800 - 1,200 (EUR 950 - 1,430; USD 1,270 - 1,900)

Auction date: Friday 19th March 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £790