Loading, please wait...
LOT 1770
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.'
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.
-
Saxon Silver Pendant with Crystal Sphere
Circa 6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Rock crystal sphere in a sturdy silver wire frame with hinged suspension arms and loop. 32.3 grams, 66 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Cruciform Brooch Terminal with Face Mask
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Formed as a T-shaped finial from a florid cruciform brooch, with facing mask and pellet eyes, lateral bird-head lappets, pelta-shaped panel below; attachment lug to reverse and old collector's inked number '84.144'. 7.8 grams, 33 mm
Found UK. From an important old Mayfair collection. From a Leicestershire, UK, collection. -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Chip-Carved 'Salin's Style 1' Mount
6th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Rectangular in plan with raised border and central panel with slot; chip-carved Style I Tiermensch design; four studs and textile remains to reverse; mounted on a custom-made stand. 20.7 grams, 30 mm (55 grams total, 93 mm high including stand)
From the private collection of the late David Miller, a distinguished Hertfordshire collector and numismatist, active during the 1990s. with ArtAncient Ltd, 2013. Private collection, London.