Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Howling Beast Stirrup Apex Mount

With handle formed as stylised regardant beasts, openwork cells between, each head defined on both sides by a stamped dot-in-ring motif signifying an eye; iron below, also with an elaborate openwork design comprising a series of circles. 33.3 grams, 64 mm



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

With domed elliptical body and narrow flange, high-relief palmette ornament and omega-shaped panels and opposed ravens with curved beaks. 62.6 grams, 80 mm



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

The silvery appearance of the brooch is probably due to a high proportion of tin in the bronze alloy.

Miniature drum-shaped vessel with strap handle, the body decorated with granule clusters. 1.49 grams, 15 mm



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

Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.