Anglo-Saxon Bronze Zoomorphic Strap End

Discoid and hollow to the reverse with raised rim and suspension hook base; panel of seven La Tène spirals with an enamelled field, commas between, central raised ring with three equally spaced millefiori glass inlays; extremely rare. 11.60 grams, 40 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Stathern, Leicestershire, UK, in February 2005. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Such mounts are found on hanging bowls mainly in 6th-7th century Anglo-Saxon princely or royal burials. They probably formed part of the so-called 'economy of prestige' in which decorative high-status tableware and feasting equipment circulated among the leading families of the various British and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. A number of these items have been found in 7th century burial mounds such as Sutton Hoo (Suffolk), Prittlewell (Essex) and Benty Grange (Derbyshire). The decoration and manufacturing techniques suggest an origin among the late Romano-British groups of western and northern Britain.

Pelta-shaped with plaque with median panel of knotwork and pellets, flanking addorse bird-heads each with pellet eye and hooked beak; attachment lugs to reverse. 5.15 grams, 22 mm



Found Gloucestershire, UK.

Plaques of this type were made as separate castings to be affixed to the three radiating arms of the cruciform brooch.

Comprising a rectangular headplate with openwork masks to the outer edge, imprint of fabric to the central panel; shallow bow with three vertical ribs; lappets below the bow, footplate developing to a triangular facing mask with domed eyes and concentric triangles, openwork finial with pelta-shaped panel; pin-lug and catch with ancient repair to the reverse. 72 grams, 13.9 cm



Found Seaham, Co Durham, UK. Property of a Durham private collector.