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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]
ProvenanceEx property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. 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.
FootnotesThe 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.
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LOT 1534
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Horse Harness Mount
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
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Saxon 'Sutton Hoo' Type Iron Cauldron Chain
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Or a hanging-bowl chain comprising: nine sets of two parallel-twisted 8-shaped links, with interstitial H-shaped twisted elements, the lower four each with a standing bull figure with prominent horns; a lateral hook with herringbone twisted shank; lower hooked flange with four herringbone-twist bars with looped ends; suspension ring and four-bar herringbone-twisted shank. 3.1 kg, 1.03 m
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The chain and fittings closely resemble those recovered from Mound 1 at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England (British Museum accession ref. 1939,1010.167). It is understood that the chain was used to support a cauldron above the hearth, with additional hooks and suspension brackets for ancillary vessels. The bull-head detailing was present on the wrought-iron stand (ref. 1939,1010.161) from the same grave. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Saucer Brooch
Later 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Featuring a dished face displaying a chased cross with Style I Tiermensch motifs in each quarter, all framed by concentric rings, broad eccentric flange rim; central pellet in red enamel; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 40 grams, 49 mm
Cambridgeshire collection, 1990s.
Enamel detailing is exceedingly rare on early Anglo-Saxon metalwork, and is almost confined to items produced in the south Midlands to the west of the Fenland. -
Large Anglo-Saxon Bronze Zoomorphic Strap End
Circa 9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Leaf-shaped with double piercing at the upper end, beast-head finial, remains of silver panels with niello ornament; Thomas's Class A 1. 12.5 grams, 66 mm
Found near Great Chesterford, Cambridgeshire, UK, 2000s.