Loading, please wait...
LOT 1782
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Gammadion Disc Brooch
6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (20 grams, 41 mm).
Disc brooch with four L-shaped voids spaced to form a reserved swastika motif, band of punched pellets to the rim, remains of the pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound East Anglia, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E., A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 5.1.
FootnotesThe swastika, also known as a gammadion, was an ancient sun symbol that is commonly found in many cultures across the Northern hemisphere. In the Viking period it was associated with Thor and is commonly found on rune-stones and amulets connected to him.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Button Brooch
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Gilt disc brooch of Avent & Evison's Class Iii with carinated inner border and three radiating arms forming a mask; pin-lug and catch to the reverse 1.86 grams, 16 mm
Found East Anglia, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The heavy stylisation of the design has converted the helmet's brow-band and nasal into a simpler form, almost geometric in execution. It is paralleled by two unclassified types in Avent & Evison, numbered 19.1, 19.2, -
Saxon Gold Plaited Ring
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Formed to imitate tightly-plaited filigree wire in a herringbone pattern. 1.84 grams, 20.19 mm overall, 18.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Anglia private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The unworn inner face shows clearly the optical effect of 'zipping' when the ring is turned through the light. The use of filigree in the herringbone pattern is found on high-status Anglo-Saxon goldwork such as the infill between the boars' legs on the shoulder clasps from Sutton Hoo Mound 1. -
Anglo-Saxon Broken-Backed Knife
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Single-edge knife blade with curved forward edge to the point, short tang, straight cutting edge. 23 grams, 13.1 cm
Acquired in the early 2000s. From an East Anglian private collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
This kind of knife was called handseax in Old English, a small domestic knife also useful for cooking and general craftwork.