Loading, please wait...
LOT 1271
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Shield Mount with Animal Masks and Beast Heads
6th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
The eight arms arranged with alternating trefoil and tapering terminals, the trilobate arms formed as animal masks, the tapering arms as dragon-heads, all with stylised detailing in relief; punched circlets to the field; some remains of mounting lug to reverse centre. 68 grams, 54 mm
Found Norfolk, UK. From an East Anglian private collection. -
Anglo-Saxon Tinned Bronze Openwork Horse Harness Mount
Late 5th-early 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Disc mount with four pierced lugs to the reverse, openwork design with four radiating U-shaped elements between the arms of a cross with T-shaped voids. 26.1 grams, 57 mm
Found Southern England. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.
The 'zoned' layout of the piece strongly recalls some of the design elements in Kentish disc brooches, where the cells contain inlaid garnets, millefiori glass, meerschaum and other materials (see Arrhenius, B., Merovingian Garnet Jewellery, Stockholm, 1985, figs. 188-193). -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Lozenge-Shaped Brooch with complex Diamond Design
8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Comprising an integral coiled pin-lug and catchplate; panels of gilt geometric 'Greek key' pattern to the upper face. 5.68 grams, 60 mm
Found Sudbury, Suffolk, UK.
