Anglo-Saxon Tinned Bronze Bird Brooch

With 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.

The mount belongs to the typology of symmetrically-shaped fittings with lozengiform or ovoid body. Comparisons might be made with a pair of bichrome fittings from a shield in Sleaford 136. Their ridged, gilded and punched bodies are not unlike that of the Sutton Hoo 018, 868 aquatic mount, but both their originally terminals are triangular or trapezoidal. They are therefore purely geometric, though it is a moot point whether a zoomorphic (aquatic) appearance was intended or given.

Including seven accompanied by Portable Antiquities Scheme records: an incomplete small-long brooch with ring-and-dot ornament; an incomplete small square-headed brooch with headplate featuring zoomorphic mouldings in Salin's Style 1; spindle whorl decorated with vertical striations; an incomplete small Kentish square-headed brooch; fragment of a great square-headed brooch; hooked tag with perforated oval head, Read Class A Type 2; disc brooch decorated with concentric circles and punched dots; together with other miscellaneous artefacts. 240 grams total, 19-45 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copies of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report nos.BERK-056093, BERK-725B84, BERK-25F9D1, BERK-04DF75, BERK-051CDB, BERK-0605B4, and BERK-05016C.

Comprising: a bucket pendant; tweezers; fragmentary pin with punch-decorated facetted finial; mount displaying a lion's head; together with other pendants. 25.4 grams total, 15-39 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.