Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Howling Beast Stirrup Apex Mount

Bifacial strap end comprising slot flanked by two D-section bear-head panels each with rivets through the ears; ribbed collar developing to a flared cone, narrow waist and biconvex finial. 11.04 grams, 40 mm



Ex Lincolnshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

Executed using the repoussé technique, depicting interlaced snakes or possibly Jörmungandr, the world serpent; applied suspension loop with repoussé chevrons and pellets, faux ropework border around the whole. 13.04 grams, 61 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11729-200423.

The bracteate belongs to the main type D, showing an image of tetramorphic monsters. Probably here the representation refers to Jörmungandr, the serpent of Midgard, son of Loki and killer of Thor, protagonist of Ragnarok - the downfall of the gods. The art of the bracteate medallions is one of the few contemporary sources for the pre-Christian religion of the Nordic countries. It demonstrates that ancient Germanic mythology, although known from later texts, was built on a tradition dating back to at least the 5th-6th centuries A.D. The function of these medallions was linked to the social position of the wearer in Germanic society.

Penannular in form with tapering ends, ropework wire applied between the rounded rods. 128 grams, 76 mm



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