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LOT 0306
Alemannic Silver-Gilt S-Shaped Bird Brooch
LATE 6TH-EARLY 7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (3.88 grams, 31 mm).
With raised borders and median band, all decorated with triangular punchmarks and niello fill; gilt chip-carved band detailing; discoid cell at each end with garnet cloison 'eye' (one absent); pin-lug and catch to the reverse.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VI.3.14.1.
FootnotesA classic development of the S-fibula with bird-head detailing.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Dark Age Tinned Bronze Bird Head Finial
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Comprising an octagonal tube with tinned finish decorated with ring-and-dot motifs, at the top a hooked 'beak' with lateral guides for a strap. 35.3 grams, 38 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Radiate-Headed Brooch
Late 5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with running-scroll motif and five radiating balustered knops, the median one with an applied cell and inset garnet cabochon; short bow with median rib and tiered junction to the lozengiform footplate with running scroll motifs and cabochon garnets at the angles; lateral pierced triangular panels with cabochon garnets below and a beast-head finial; pin-lugs, spring, pin and catch to the reverse. 28 grams, 11 cm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
The pierced triangular element above the finial was probably intended to represent two animals with heads bent down, the garnet cabochons forming the eyes; this is more clearly shown on the example from Ravenna (VIII.6.2). -
Merovingian Bronze Eagle Brooch
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Bird in profile facing right with highly stylised ribbed chevron detailing; remains of pin-lug and catchplate to reverse. 4.5 grams, 33 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
