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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 and Other Artefact Group
2nd-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £64
A mixed bronze group comprising: an Anglo-Saxon tongue-shaped strap end with pelletted border, silver-inlaid panel of a regardant beast, securing rivet, animal-head finial; a Roman bronze finger ring with stepped shoulders; medieval tweezers with balustered and notched edges. 16 grams total, 21-62 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s-1980s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman. -
Anglo-Saxon Zoomorphic Strap End with Lobed Cross
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
A bronze zoomorphic strap end of Thomas's Class A displaying a reserved central lobed cross against a hatched field (keyed to accept sheet silver ornament), stylised beast head finial below; split upper edge and mounting lugs to the reverse. 1.17 grams, 54 mm
Found UK. Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.
The four areas surrounding the cross have been keyed to accept a silver panel each; silver inserts were also placed within the 'eyes' on the cross, of which one is still in place. -
Anglo-Saxon Red and Yellow Enamelled Interlace Mount
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
A rectangular copper-alloy mount with a slightly curved profile, the upper face with a yellow-enamelled interlaced knot against a red-brown enamelled field; Hiberno-Saxon workmanship. 6.65 grams, 29 mm
Fine condition, complete.
Found UK. Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.
It is likely that this is a mount from a house-shrine or similar piece of ecclesiastical equipment with studs to the underside and a hole at each end to accept a rivet.