Ave!

Brooch, Bronze Age, Celtic, Dolphin, c. 800-300 BC

Copper alloy; 36mm/7.0gm

Con/ green patina, cleaned, missing pin. The attachment pin would have been cast along with the brooch at the tail, then clasped beneath the head.

Seller's note/ As seen in the photo, the ancient Celts were ceratainly aware of dolphin anatomy. The smith captured the essence of a leaping dolphin, depicting its head, dorsal and pectoral fins, and tail.

Not listed in Hattatt, this ancient brooch is very rare and you'll never see another like it. Found near the River Danube in Hungary, for reference purposes in your collection, note it as "Danubian Celts".