Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Mount

Composed of rectangular-section overlapping arms tapering to points and strands of twisted wire braided to form the bezel. 7.71 grams, 27.96 mm overall, 17.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



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

With integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. 8.44 grams, 35 mm



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

There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures.

The group comprising: a polished rock crystal lens for magnification, formed with a domed upper face and gently convex base; two-part sheet-bronze case consisting of a domed lid and dish-style base, both components pierced; a relatively large textile fragment. 165 grams total, 5-29 cm



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