Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Borre Knot Disc Brooch

With graduated silver wire coils to the shank, collection of free-running cosmetic grooming pendants comprising: pelta-shaped plaque, quadrant-shaped plaque, ear scoop, miniature hammer, tweezers. 28.75 grams total, bracelet 88.90 mm wide



Formerly acquired in the late 1950s. From the family collection of a South East London collector.

Miniature hammers occur in pre-Viking times both in Scandinavia and in England, but their number increased markedly in Viking Scandinavia. They are known in iron, bronze, occasionally amber, and, from the 10th century onward, silver. They are predominantly found in women's graves, while most of the silver examples come from hoards of the late 10th and 11th centuries.

Comprising: two elliptical bronze tortoise brooches, each domed with raised ornament of four Borre-style faces with pellet eyes to the centre of a panel of body parts and hatching with two more faces to the narrow ends, wide flange, catchplate, pin-hinge and pendant attachment bar to the reverse; equal-arm brooch with two trapezoidal arms, each with raised Borre-Style geometric ornament, masks to the ends and central domed panel, lugs for the pin to the reverse, pierced lug to accept the chain; short chains of double-links. 280 grams total, 7.2 - 50.5 cm



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

Discoid plate with integral suspension loop secured at the reverse, symmetrical cruciform design of applied silver filigree coils and granule ornament. 5.68 grams, 44 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.