Anglo-Saxon Iron Ship Rivet

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.

A superb chip-carved saucer or button brooch with extensive remains of gilding, displaying a stylised male face with puffy cheeks, large ears, long moustache, raised pellet eyes of different sizes, hair dressed in vertical ribs alternating plain and textured, some chevron and pellet patterning to the face; stub remains of catch fitting to reverse. 5.2 grams, 23 mm

Fine condition, slight scuffing to rim and one cheek.

Found UK. Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.

The brooch does not fall neatly into Avent & Evison's typology, being somewhat larger than the standard forms of button brooch and with an unusually detailed face. Broadly, it resembles Class J with alternating plain and textured vertical strands in the hair but does not have the horizontal band across the brow nor the stylised beard associated with the type. The eccentric placement of the eyes suggests that the image may be the face of the god Woden (Odin) who famously sacrificed one eye in exchange for wisdom.

A silvered bronze strap distributor from a bridle comprising a cheek-piece ring and three sliding attachments to secure harness straps; each attachment formed as an elongated triangular plate with ring at the broad end and lobes to accept attachment rivets (some still in situ). 69 grams, 84 mm



Acquired since 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.