Anglo-Saxon Gilt Pin-Set Head for Cnotheru

8TH CENTURY AD

1 1/4" (3.84 grams, 33mm).

A gilt-bronze discoid pin head with central void, cruciform design with ropework borders separating four quadrants; two quadrants with dragon or serpent motifs, two with seriffed runes '+ C N O' / 'Þ E [R?] [U? L?]', probably a female name (Cnoþheru?).

Provenance

Found near Ringstead, Norfolk, UK.

Literature

See Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, item 66(c) for type.

Footnotes

Pins of this type were often used in groups of three with a linking chain, to secure a female's headdress. A similar pin from Brandon, Norfolk, features a short runic text to the reverse, while another from Malton, Yorkshire, shows similar seriffed forms to those on the present item.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 0993

Anglo-Saxon Gilt Pin-Set Head for Cnotheru

Sold for (Inc. bp): £28,520

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