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_900x900.jpg "Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Double-Axe Shield Mount")
_200x200.jpg "Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Double-Axe Shield Mount")
.jpg "Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Double-Axe Shield Mount")
LOT 1339
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Double-Axe Shield Mount
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (7.5 grams, 45 mm).
With lozengiform central element and T-shaped 'axe' extensions; the lozenge with three-band collars, punched bands to the edges and central quatrefoil motif with pellets to the ends; two thick mounting lugs to the reverse, one with its mounting rove in place.
ProvenanceFound Hertfordshire, UK.
LiteratureSee Dickinson, T.M., 'Symbols of Protection: The Significance of Animal-Ornamented Shields in Early Anglo-Saxon England' in Med.Arch. vol. XLIX, 2005, pp.109-163, fig.13,e; Hammond, B., British Artefacts vol.1 - Early Anglo-Saxon, Witham, 2009, p.75-81, for discussion.
FootnotesThe mount belongs to the typology of symmetrically-shaped fittings with lozengiform or ovoid body. Comparisons might be made with a pair of bichrome fittings from a shield in Sleaford 136. Their ridged, gilded and punched bodies are not unlike that of the Sutton Hoo 018, 868 aquatic mount, but both their originally terminals are triangular or trapezoidal. They are therefore purely geometric, though it is a moot point whether a zoomorphic (aquatic) appearance was intended or given.
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Large Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Mount
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Two adjoining pieces broadly rectangular in plan with a slight taper, two parallel rectangular recesses with guilloche in relief; remains of lugs to two edges. 17 grams total, 20-37 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. -
Large Saxon Amber Bead
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Opaque and amorphous in form, with a holed drilled slightly off-centre for suspension. 3.19 grams, 22 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Late Anglo-Saxon Prick Spur with Urnes Style Mythical Beast
Circa 1030-1100 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
The T-shaped body with remains of the iron core, each of the arms with a series of three transverse ridges, the shaft with moulded Urnes style zoomorphic decoration comprising scrolling tendrils running down either side, each running up to a coiled projection on either side of the head, possibly depicting ears or horns. 28.9 grams, 55 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk, UK, by R.Humphrys. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.NMS-524F67.
Artefacts such as these are dated to the 11th century and are thought to be Viking in origin, but were widely used by the Anglo-Scandinavians and remained a legacy for the Anglo-Saxon cavalry. Spurs of this type were used probably by the Saxons at the battle of Hastings in 1066.
