More than 1,000 treasures gathered by a metal detectorist in Norfolk over the course of 40 years – from hammered medieval coins to ancient artefacts – are set for auction.
Some will be offered in Hansons’ November 15-16 Historica and Coins Auction. However, the collection is so vast many objects will go under the hammer in 2024 to allow time for the lengthy cataloguing process.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “It is an exceptional collection, a lasting legacy of a man with a true passion for history. Sadly, he is no longer with us so, to ensure his historical finds are celebrated, cherished and recognised for their importance, his wife has consigned them to auction.
“She said his two passions in life were nature and wildlife and metal detecting. His particular interest was the Saxon era and he also collected medieval seals. However, he loved anything ancient. He enjoyed researching the objects he uncovered and developed a deep historical knowledge.”
Among his finds (lot 4, Nov 15 auction, £200-300) is a beautiful 2nd/3rd century AD Roman brooch that represents a three-dimensional Zoomorphic bronze horse fibula from the period in which Rome interacted militarily with the Celtic cultures of Europe around 2,000 years ago.
The stylised horse with saddle has beautiful details of tail, back, mane and head. The brooch has a gorgeous dark patina and no damage, which is unusual for bearing in mind finds like this have been buried for thousands of years. Examples of this quality are rare.
A fibula is a brooch or pin for fastening garments, typically at the right shoulder. It developed in a variety of shapes but all were based on the safety pin principle. Unlike modern brooches, fibulae were not only decorative; they served a practical function. They were used to fasten clothing such as dresses and cloaks.
There are hundreds of types of fibulae attributed to different historical periods, geography, or cultures. They replaced straight pins used to fasten clothing in the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age. In turn, fibulae were replaced as clothing fasteners by buttons in the Middle Ages. Their descendant, the modern safety pin, remains in use today.
