Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1534

Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Horse Harness Mount

6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

1 3/8 in. (6.4 grams, 35 mm).

Composed of a pelta-shaped body with broad border, central panel of dense Style II ornament, three studs to the reverse. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s.

Literature

Cf. Carver, M., Sutton Hoo. A Seventh Century Princely Burial Ground and its Context, London, 2005, item 25cii; Fern, C., ‘The Archaeological Evidence for Equestrianism in Early Anglo-Saxon England c.450-700' in Pluskowski, A. (ed.), Just skin and bones? New perspectives in Animal-Human relations in the Historical Past, 2005, pp.43-71.

Footnotes

The pelta-shaped body could be a part of a circular decorative phalera usually attached to the breast of the horse, or to the muzzle of the horse's head, or decoration of the harness mount of antilina or strap-junction of the postilina (Fern, 2005, fig.5.18). It was usually positioned at the bottom of the phalera.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1534

Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Horse Harness Mount

Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Mount with Wolf-Men
    Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Mount with Wolf-Men
    6th century A.D.

    Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £600

    The majority of a mount bearing dense and enigmatic imagery recalling half-remembered legends which were already ancient when it was made; the obverse packed with a tangled mass of bands of detailed ornament which resolves itself into human (or divine?) figures, each gripping the ankles of the other, their bodies inverted and contorted in the classic Style I chip-carved fashion; the centre with a round cell, into which a flat-cut glass cloison is set, polished to reflect the light and to shimmer with blood-red brilliance. 9.08 grams, 32 mm

    Fine condition. Unique.

    Found Wiltshire, UK. Wiltshire gentleman, 2011. TimeLine Originals, 2000s. Property of an East Anglia gentleman. Accompanied by a report by Anglo-Saxon and Viking specialist S. Pollington. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10381-168115.

    Anglo-Saxon and Viking specialist Stephen Pollington writes: '...the scene presented may illustrate a legend or myth of which no record survives. That said, the execution of the piece is consistent with high-status Anglo-Saxon metalwork of the 6th century, and the quality of the gilding is remarkably high. The iconography is at present unique but entirely within the Anglo-Saxon tradition.'

    Lot Details

  • Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Florid Cruciform Brooch
    Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Florid Cruciform Brooch
    Circa 6th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690

    Displaying Style I detailing, bird heads to the three headplate lobes, geometric ornament and facing human head; deep bow with central stud; footplate with horse-head detailing and lateral lappets; trace remains of gilding; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 88 grams, 13.2 cm



    Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 201091.

    Lot Details

  • Anglo-Saxon Bronze Strap End with Rivetted Silver Plate with Beast Facing Back
    Anglo-Saxon Bronze Strap End with Rivetted Silver Plate with Beast Facing Back
    9th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £598

    Of Thomas's Class A, rectangular with convex sides and slit at one end to accept the leather or fabric of the belt or strap; applied sheet silver panel attached with four silver rivets, bearing a Trewhiddle Style regardant beast with its tail looped over its rump; remains of an animal-mask finial beside the panel; reverse marked with PAS reference KENT-112CEC. 5.59 grams, 37 mm

    Fine condition.

    Found while searching with a metal detector near Romney, Folkestone and Hythe, Kent, UK, in 2018. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-112CEC. Disclaimed under treasure reference no.2018T664.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list