Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Chip-Carved S-Shaped Brooch

6TH CENTURY A.D.

7/8 in. (4.13 grams, 23 mm).

With scrolled ends and deep chip-carved median band, conical socket in the crook of each bow; hooked catch and pierced lug to reverse with remains of ferrous pin.

Provenance

Found Lancing, between Worthing and Brighton, West Sussex, UK, circa 2006.
From the private collection of a West Sussex, UK, gentleman.

Literature

Cf. MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E., A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 21.1, for type; MacGregor, A. et al., A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, item 69.5.

Footnotes

The S-fibula is a very popular type of small garment fastener found in Frankish areas of Continental Europe and beyond. In England, its distribution is largely confined to Kent and the south coast, but with outliers as far north as Co. Durham. The present piece is a very restrained design, beautifully executed and preserved by its high-quality gilding.

CONDITION

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LOT 2099