Celtic Iron Bracelet (No reserve price)
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Celtic Iron Penannular Bracelet
Culture/Origin: Celtic (Hallstatt / La Tène)
Chronology: c. 5th Century BC – 2nd Century AD
Material: Iron
Dimensions: Outer diameter 70 mm; Inner diameter 63 mm
Weight: 29.23 g
Description:
A robust and heavy ancient iron penannular (open) bracelet. While bronze and gold were often reserved for the elite, iron adornments were widely utilized across Celtic and Northern Roman provincial territories, frequently carrying strong utilitarian or martial connotations. The thick, unadorned cross-section and slightly tapered terminals reflect the pragmatic and rugged aesthetics of ancient blacksmithing.
Notably, the inner diameter of 63 mm is highly significant from a collecting perspective. Unlike many ancient bracelets crafted for very slight builds, this measurement closely aligns with modern adult wrist proportions, making this an exceptionally wearable piece of ancient history.
The iron surface displays the deep, pitted texture characteristic of millennia of burial. Crucially, the ancient oxidation process has fully passivated into a hard, dark magnetite layer, ensuring the ongoing structural integrity of the metal.
State of Preservation:
Stable archaeological condition. The metal is completely fossilized and inert, with no signs of active red rust, corrosion, or flaking. The artifact is solid, remarkably well-preserved for ancient iron, and is supplied with a custom-made matte black display stand for optimal cabinet presentation.
Ex french private collection 1970
Celtic Iron Penannular Bracelet
Culture/Origin: Celtic (Hallstatt / La Tène)
Chronology: c. 5th Century BC – 2nd Century AD
Material: Iron
Dimensions: Outer diameter 70 mm; Inner diameter 63 mm
Weight: 29.23 g
Description:
A robust and heavy ancient iron penannular (open) bracelet. While bronze and gold were often reserved for the elite, iron adornments were widely utilized across Celtic and Northern Roman provincial territories, frequently carrying strong utilitarian or martial connotations. The thick, unadorned cross-section and slightly tapered terminals reflect the pragmatic and rugged aesthetics of ancient blacksmithing.
Notably, the inner diameter of 63 mm is highly significant from a collecting perspective. Unlike many ancient bracelets crafted for very slight builds, this measurement closely aligns with modern adult wrist proportions, making this an exceptionally wearable piece of ancient history.
The iron surface displays the deep, pitted texture characteristic of millennia of burial. Crucially, the ancient oxidation process has fully passivated into a hard, dark magnetite layer, ensuring the ongoing structural integrity of the metal.
State of Preservation:
Stable archaeological condition. The metal is completely fossilized and inert, with no signs of active red rust, corrosion, or flaking. The artifact is solid, remarkably well-preserved for ancient iron, and is supplied with a custom-made matte black display stand for optimal cabinet presentation.
Ex french private collection 1970
Details
Culture
Celtic
Century/timeframe
c. 5th Century BC – 2nd Century AD
Name of object
Iron Bracelet
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Poor
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
