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LOT 1487
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Zoomorphic Strap End
9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (8.44 grams, 37 mm).
Split along the upper edge of the plate; two slight flared lobes below the piercings for the attachment rivets; central panel ornamented with a length of tight interlaced knotwork and a zoomorphic terminal with triangular ears, bulbous eyes and a ribbed square snout. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
LiteratureCf. Webster, L & Backhouse, J., The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, p.98, fig.69n.
FootnotesBoth the interlace and the animal-head are drawn from the 7th-8th century manuscript tradition. This is a standard 9th century typology, seeming a nice version of the Trewhiddle style, closely allied to the early 9th century 'Tiberius' group of manuscripts, characterised by exuberant animals which are the descendants of the winged creatures and other sprightly beasts common in 8th century metalworks.
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Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Cruciform Mount
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
With a mounting stud at each corner; parcel-gilt surface with central reserved square filled with red enamel; cruciform motif, a scaphoid cell at each corner with red enamel fill, four interstitial panels with chip-carved Style I ornament. 19.8 grams, 31 mm
Found near Lakenheath, Suffolk, UK, circa 2012. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11892-204383.
The use of enamel is unusual in early Anglo-Saxon contexts, except in parts of East Anglia where it may have been preferred as an alternative to garnet cloisonné. -
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Bronze Strap End Group
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising examples recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme: one of Thomas Class A Type 1, an Anglo-Scandinavian type with a zoomorphic scheme displaying a crouching beast; a second Thomas Class A type with elliptical plan, depicting the snout and eyes of a beast at one end, the creature's ears laid back against its body; a further Thomas Class A Type 1 example with two rivet holes, displaying an entwined beast with head in relief and remains of niello; four without PAS records comprising: one triangular in plan with entwined beast design and remains of niello; one tongue-shaped with design in relief and two rivet holes; a tapering strap end with crude zoomorph and one chipped edge; one entwined beast with possible cruciform design and remains of tinning or silvering. 30 grams total, 29-44 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copies of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report nos.BERK-A8E9E7, BERK-12A995, and BERK-A70390. -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Girdle Hanger Pair
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Each with a suspension loop (one occluded) and decorative terminal, possibly formed as beast heads. 55 grams total, 13.2-13.5 cm
From a Norfolk excavation in the late 19th century. Ex property of a Nottingham gentleman by descent.