Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount with Beasts

Modelled in profile with radiating tripartite crest, triangular stub wing, splayed feet, catch and pin-lugs to the reverse. 10.9 grams, 38 mm



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

Bird brooches from the late Viking era have been found in Scandinavia as well in the English Danelaw, through to the early Norman era; such brooches can be dated to the 11th and even early 12th century.

Comprising: a small and narrow type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 2, Untergruppe d) with an openwork panel to each face filled by a cross-shaped motif with curved cross-bar, and a dentilled upper edge to the mouth; a tongue-shaped type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 1) with an openwork centre and Ringerike style bird formed with looped bands, pellets to the pinions, a triangular in plan head joined to the inner faces of the ropework border forming the upper edge of the chape, with a wolf's head at the apex and stepped knop finial (apex and lower end of the chape damaged); two of the same type (Gruppe I 1) with a pair of scrolls in the central void and a 'knot' to the apex', one with ropework detailing and a wolf's head; a broad D-shaped plaque with a plain reverse plate riveted in place, guilloche band to the outer edge and interlaced vines to the centre. 118 grams total, 46-75 mm



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

The chape with the dentilled upper edge bears a cross motif on which only the curvature of the cross-piece indicates its origin in the raven/eagle figure found more commonly on this type; as its ornament has developed a long way from its original form, it should be dated to the 11 or 12th century. The D-shaped plaque with the plain reverse is not in Paulsen's typology but appears to be derived from the smaller types in his Gruppe VII.

Rectangular mount with flange to each side of the reverse at the base, two mounting holes; upper edge formed as two addorsed horse-heads and median pierce lug; shallow incised line following the outer edges of the heads and necks, with suggestion of a bridle; Ringerike style. 47 grams, 53 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Bradbourne, Derbyshire Dales, East Midlands, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.WMID-793298.

The sub-rectangular shape of this strap mount is similar to that of a Williams Class C, Type 2, although it is unusual in having the flanges on the sides as opposed to the base. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) states: 'This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance'.