Anglo-Saxon Tinned Bronze Gusset Plate

Comprising a round-section shank with scrolled end to retain the suspension ring; ring-and-dot stamp to outer face; flat panel to end with three more stamps, shallow bowl with five holes in quincunx formation. 29.9 grams, 19.2 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Comprising a rectangular headplate with outer band of Style I masks, raised border and inner panel of scrolls with two annular cells to accept inlay; shallow bow with raised median rib and corrugated surface, outward facing mask at each end; footplate with lateral lappets featuring profile horse-heads; median bar with central cell, lozenge panels with scrolled border and masks in the lateral lugs; mask at the lower end with raised triangle; scars from pin-lugs and catch to the reverse. 136 grams, 16 cm



Found Seaham, Co Durham, UK. Property of a Durham private collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12924-245112.

The brooch seems to belong to the group IV of the great squared brooches. Usually, they have a large 'rampant beast' in the footplate upper borders, and a large mask in the terminal lobe, of rather more varying pattern.

Pelta-shaped with plaque with median panel of knotwork and pellets, flanking addorse bird-heads each with pellet eye and hooked beak; attachment lugs to reverse. 5.15 grams, 22 mm



Found Gloucestershire, UK.

Plaques of this type were made as separate castings to be affixed to the three radiating arms of the cruciform brooch.