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LOT 1233
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Shield Mount with Animal Masks and Beast Heads
6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (68 grams, 54 mm).
The eight arms arranged with alternating trefoil and tapering terminals, the trilobate arms formed as animal masks, the tapering arms as dragon-heads, all with stylised detailing in relief; punched circlets to the field; some remains of mounting lug to reverse centre.
ProvenanceFound Norfolk, UK.
From an East Anglian private collection.
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LOT 1233
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Shield Mount with Animal Masks and Beast Heads
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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Anglo-Saxon Great Square-Headed Brooch
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Comprising: trapezoidal headplate with beast-head spurs to the upper angles and concentric panels of Style I ornament; shallow bow with central cell and garnet insert; long footplate with lateral lappets and central lozenge; facing mask above a trapezoidal bar finial; pin-lugs and catch to the reverse. 82 grams, 11.5 cm
Found U.K. British private collection, acquired by 2000.
The meaning of the 'facing mask' motif is probably related to the profile masks so frequently used in Style I art, where the 'pellet' eye is enclosed by an arched frame: the 'facing mask' repeats this motif to produce a pair of eyes in a doubled 'bow'. An element of visual 'riddling' is no doubt present: the design is neither one thing nor the other, but includes elements of both. Distribution of great square-headed brooches was initially concentrated along the valleys of the Rivers Trent, Thames and Severn, though it was later confined to the East Midlands and East Anglia (Hines, 1997, figs. 101, 102). -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Saucer Brooch with Running Spirals
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Plaque with central pellet and raised pentagon developing to five running spirals; carinated ridge and flared lip; remains of catch and pin-lug to the reverse. 12.4 grams, 32 mm
Found Southern England. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Button Brooch with Helmetted Warrior
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Class Ai; broad flange rim and circular frame enclosing a facing male mask with helmet detailing; pin-lug and catch to the reverse. 2.28 grams, 16 mm
Found Hampshire, UK.
