A pair of Etruscan Gold Earrings, circa late 4th/early 3rd Century B.C.

of a grappolo type, each with upper horseshoe-shaped plaque repousse in relief with a centaur fighting a helmeted and curaissed warrior within two borders of applied bosses,  the central crescentic  element  flanked by the heads of two wreathed goddesses above a central mask of a deity with backward-streaming hair, five lentoid beads, a rosette, and clusters of globules below, the central element with hinged fastener behind.

acquired by Jan Mitchell in 1966 or earlier

on loan to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. nos. L.1988.81.8-9, formerly L.66.36.2-3), from 1966 to 2011

The earrings are each broken across the middle and repaired with solder, and solder is used to re-connect some of the large globular elements to each other, as well as in a few other spots for re-enforcement. The clips in back are attached to the earrings by hinges. Note dents and small losses visible in the photo.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For related examples compare F.H. Marshall, Catalogue of the Jewellery Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the Departments of Antiquities, British Museum, Oxford, 1911, pl. XLIV, T. Hackens, Catalogue of the Classical Collection, Classical Jewelry, Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, 1976, no. 4, Die Welt der Etrusker, Berlin, 1988, p. 358, E 3., and H. Hoffman, Ten Centuries that Shaped the West, Houston, Tex., and Mainz, 1970, no. 215.

The large size of the present earrings, as well as the figured decoration, are unusual.