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.

Provenance

Found Hertfordshire, UK.

Literature

See 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.

Footnotes

The 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.

CONDITION

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LOT 1339