Anglo-Saxon Nummular Disc Brooch

With high-relief aviform head and wings and looped ornamental swags, knotwork panels in the field; two holes for mounting; possibly a book-mount, Hiberno-Saxon workmanship. 22.5 grams, 33 mm



Found East Anglia, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11884-204955.

With circular frame enclosing a cloisoné enamel cruciform design in shades of blue and white, six radiating lobes to the rim each with an enamel fill. 5.65 grams, 25 mm



Acquired 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.

Of Hines's Group XX with square headplate bearing concentric bands of billets, undulating lines and punched points, with vesica motifs to the upper corners; thick shallow bow with central rib, isosceles triangle footplate with horse-head lappets and flanking lobes with concentric rings, ropework bands and central vesica, disc finial with ropework border; pin-lugs to the reverse and broad catch. 136 grams, 13.5 cm



Found near Grimsby, Humberside, UK, circa 2010.

The brooch shows a restrained use of low-relief detailing confined to largely geometric features other than the horse-heads at the shoulders and the single facing mask on the headplate above the junction with the bow. The bow itself is very thick and displays a prominent median rib with just a suggestion of outer ribs. The mineral deposits on the reverse bear the imprint of the textile to which the brooch was attached.