4th-1st century BC. A matched pair of gold earrings, each a tapering tube with coiled filigree to the shank, cordon of vandykes with granule detailing, collar with applied filigree spirals, bull-head finial with fur texture, double band of pellets to the jawline, dished eyes, ring beneath the chin to secure the finial. Property of an Essex gentleman; inherited from Dr James Hasson of Harley Street, London; acquired before 1950. Cf. Marshall, F.H. Catalogue of the Jewellery - Greek, Etruscan and Roman - in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1968, plate XXXI, items 1806-8 for type. Dr James Hasson (1892-1979) came to England from Alexandria in the 1920s, having qualified in Geneva; he was physician to Charles de Gaulle and the Free French Forces during WW2, a consultant to Christie's on Italian Renaissance art during the 1930s-1950s, a collector of fine art and author of several books, including The Banquet of the Immortals, London, 1948. 3.20 grams total, 23mm (1"). [2]

Fine condition.