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Details
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.
Provenance
Found UK.
Acquired in the 1990s.
From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.
Literature
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.
Footnotes
The 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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LOT 0273
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Shield Mount with Beast Mask
Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
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