Anglo-Saxon Bronze Shield Mount with Animal Masks and Beast Heads

Formed from a reused saucer brooch, discoid in plan with pierced lobe to apex for use as a pendant; decorated with a geometric scheme composed of a central raised boss enclosed by a five-point star, concentric circles and waves. 10.4 grams, 37 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-72DAE0.

Discoid and hollow to the reverse with raised rim and shallow suspension hook with beast-head facetting; panel of three La Tène spirals and comma-leaf motifs, central void. 25.5 grams, 57 mm



Found near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK, circa 2010. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11893-204384.

Bowl mounts in groups of three are believed to have adorned the rim of bronze cauldrons which were used for the public dispensing of beer or mead at feasts. They are usually decorated in a manner which suggests that they were made in the north or northwest of Britain, and were either traded with the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms or, more likely, they formed part of the circulation of prestige goods among leading families in ritualised gift exchange.

Sub-rectangular in form with raised oval cell with decoratively notched rim, set with a polished rock crystal cabochon (chipped). 15.2 grams, 23 mm



Found Lincolnshire, UK. Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.