Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Howling Beast Stirrup Apex Mount

Each link in the chain composed of three separate hoops, the equal-arm brooches with decoration in high-relief and remains of pin-lugs and catchplate to reverse. 252 grams total, 78 cm long



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Hollow-formed with openwork decorative outer surface attached to a plain back-plate with one spring-lug and catchplate intact; the upper face divided by a heavy segmented median rib and zoomorphic ornament in the outer panels, arranged symmetrically along the rib with a similar transverse band; the corners of the wider end reinforced with vertical posts ending in heavy lobed ‘ears’; the side panels decorated with zones of interlace zoomorphic ornament and the upper-end panel with a continuation of the median rib, traces of ornamental interlace; the lower-end panel plain. 109 grams, 56 mm (162 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand)



Acquired on the UK art market, 1995-2000s. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12987-246190.

Featuring a central openwork bulb, rod with D-shaped loop above, separate similar loop below; ring-and-dot motifs to the body, bear-head masks to the sides of the loops. 45.1 grams, 77 mm



Found near Fakenham, Norfolk, UK, in 2006.