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LOT 0273
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Shield Mount with Beast Mask
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (12 grams, 28 mm).
A rectangular gilt copper-alloy mount displaying a chip-carved beast mask to the recessed centre formed from two Style I beasts in profile each with triple-strand body; remains of iron matrix to verso.
ProvenanceFound UK.
Acquired in the 1990s.
From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.
Cf. Pollington, S., Kerr, L. & Hammond, B., Wayland's Work: Anglo-Saxon Art, Myth & Material Culture from the 4th to 7th century, Ely, 2010, plate 13(b), for similar gilt-bronze panel in an iron matrix.
FootnotesThe gilt-bronze panel features some detailed Style I ornament with a facing mask at the centre formed from the bent legs of the two beasts. The iron matrix suggests that the piece was mounted on an item of military equipment, either a helmet, shield or horse-harness.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0273
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Shield Mount with Beast Mask
Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
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Anglo-Saxon Gilt Double-Axe Shield Mount
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £254
A bronze mount with gilded lozengiform central element and T-shaped 'axe' extensions; the lozenge with three-band collars, punched bands to the edges and central quatrefoil motif with pellets to the ends; two thick mounting lugs to the reverse, one with its mounting rove in place. 7.5 grams, 45 mm
Fine condition.
Found Hertfordshire, UK. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Benet's Artefacts of England & the United Kingdom pages where it is published. -
Saxon Gold Jewelled Necklace Element
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
A gold ornament of discoid form with granulated border, central lozengiform cell with concave sides and turquoise-coloured enamel fill, semi-circular polished garnet cloison to each quarter, two ribbed suspension loops to the perimeter and two parallel tubular suspension loops to reverse. 1.65 grams, 19 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The item clearly forms part of a necklace or bracelet secured by means of cords passing through the tubes on the reverse, and attached to its neighbours by links passing through the lateral hoops. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Beast Mount
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A square-shaped gilt copper-alloy chip-carved mount with mounting lugs to reverse; gilt beast with three-strand body; secondary holes to accept mounting rivets, one still in place. 3.88 grams, 16 mm
Found UK. Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.
The small integral fixing pins on the reverse were removed when the mount had to be re-used; two holes were drilled through the image just inside the frame.