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LOT 1435
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Mount with Wolf-Men
6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (9.08 grams, 32 mm).
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.
ProvenanceFound 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.
See MacGregor, A. and Bolick, E., A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 25.6, for type.
FootnotesAnglo-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.'
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LOT 1435
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Mount with Wolf-Men
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
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Saxon Silver Attachment Fragment
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Comprising: a portion of a discoid mount with high-relief cross, the arms decorated with Trewhiddle Style animals and with notched edges, hole to the centre; lobe to the edge attached with a rivet to two rectangular straps, one extending for 34mm and the other broken off and folded to the rear. 24.1 grams, 51 mm
UK private collection, acquired in the 1980s.
The piece has the appearance of hack-silver in the light of the rough treatment it has received and the breakages. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Mount with Dragons
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Formed as two opposed beasts issuing from a central panel; each head formed with a large elliptical eye, scrolled decoration to the neck and scrolled surround to the central perforation; collector's id. number '91.420.51' to reverse. 7.22 grams, 49 mm
Acquired 1991. From an important Mayfair, London, UK collection. Inventory no.420.51 / cat.91. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Button Brooch with Helmetted Warrior
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Class Ai; broad flange rim and circular frame enclosing a facing male mask with helmet detailing; pin-lug and catch to the reverse. 3.66 grams, 19 mm
Property of a Leeds collector, UK.
