2nd century BC-early 1st century AD. A hollow-formed bronze staff or sceptre head of 'cotton reel' form, comprised of separate components, a broad disc with flange rim, waisted central column, applied upper disc with central chamfered lip. Cf. Jope, E. M., Early Celtic Art, Oxford, 2000, pl.302-3, described as a vehicle pole and yoke fittings; Macdonald, P., Llyn Cerrig Bach. A Study of the Copper Alloy Artefacts from the Insular La Tène Assemblage, Cardiff, 2007, fig.23, item 49. Twenty or so 'horn caps' are known in museums and private collections, all have been found in Britain and mostly in Southern England. Their exact function is unclear however early suggestions that they are axle fittings for chariots no longer holds weight. The shaft hole is too small and they do not appear in grave contexts containing chariots. A more likely hypothesis is that they were ceremonial, possibly a staff head or chair or saddle finial. 514 grams, 77mm (3"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection; previously found Cambridgeshire, UK.