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LOT 1519
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Cruciform Brooch Pair
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 - 4 3/8 in. (97.6 grams total, 10.7-11.2 cm).
Comprising stylised bead head footplates and engraved and punched geometric decoration over the headplates and bodies; remains of pin lugs and catchplates to reverses. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a Norfolk excavation in the late 19th century.
Ex property of a Nottingham gentleman by descent.
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1856,0701.5174, for similar.
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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Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Florid Cruciform Brooch
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Displaying Style I detailing, bird heads to the three headplate lobes, geometric ornament and facing human head; deep bow with central stud; footplate with horse-head detailing and lateral lappets; trace remains of gilding; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 88 grams, 13.2 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 201091. -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Small-Long Brooch
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Trefoil projections to the headplate, almost conical bow and collared lower body; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 18 grams, 70 mm
Cambridgeshire collection, 1990s. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Mount with Wolf-Men
6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
The majority of a mount bearing dense and enigmatic imagery recalling half-remembered legends which were already ancient when it was made; the obverse packed with a tangled mass of bands of detailed ornament which resolves itself into human (or divine?) figures, each gripping the ankles of the other, their bodies inverted and contorted in the classic Style I chip-carved fashion; the centre with a round cell, into which a flat-cut glass cloison is set, polished to reflect the light and to shimmer with blood-red brilliance. 9.08 grams, 32 mm
Fine condition. Unique.
Found Wiltshire, UK. Wiltshire gentleman, 2011. TimeLine Originals, 2000s. Property of an East Anglia gentleman. Accompanied by a report by Anglo-Saxon and Viking specialist S. Pollington. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10381-168115.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking specialist Stephen Pollington writes: '...the scene presented may illustrate a legend or myth of which no record survives. That said, the execution of the piece is consistent with high-status Anglo-Saxon metalwork of the 6th century, and the quality of the gilding is remarkably high. The iconography is at present unique but entirely within the Anglo-Saxon tradition.'
