Anglo-Saxon Nummular Disc Brooch

Portion of a lateral arm or head from a monumental cross of the Mercian Group with scoops at the junction with the shaft; Side A: a panel of dense knotwork within a raised border; Side B: a panel of coiled tendrils enmeshing the stems with vine-leaf finials; tooling and other marks to the undecorated faces; outer face (end): shallow incised cross. 5.67 kg total, 30 cm high including stand



Acquired in the 1980s. Ex S. Sherlock collection, Stoke-on-Trent, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11891-205888.

The lateral scoops form a partial round hole, one of four which give these crosses their characteristic form.

Split along the upper edge of the plate; two slight flared lobes below the piercings for the attachment rivets; central panel ornamented with a length of tight interlaced knotwork and a zoomorphic terminal with triangular ears, bulbous eyes and a ribbed square snout. 8.44 grams, 37 mm



Found Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.

Both the interlace and the animal-head are drawn from the 7th-8th century manuscript tradition. This is a standard 9th century typology, seeming a nice version of the Trewhiddle style, closely allied to the early 9th century 'Tiberius' group of manuscripts, characterised by exuberant animals which are the descendants of the winged creatures and other sprightly beasts common in 8th century metalworks.

Mainly zoomorphic in form, including examples with remains of niello and enamel inlay, together with a mount displaying a central roundel featuring a geometric motif in silver inlay. 22.1 grams, 21-38 mm



Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.