Anglo-Scandinavian Viking 'Essex' Bronze Dragon's Head Strap End

Formed using an Abbasid Caliphate dinar coin with ridged suspension loop attached. 4.43 grams, 22 mm



Acquired in the late 1970s and 1980s. Ex property of a London gentleman.

Such Islamic coins were traded across the Viking world and have been discovered as grave goods or in hoards (as coins and as jewellery items) in Scandinavia and the Baltic area.

A discoid silver pendant with integral loop, beaded border enclosing a low-relief niello image of a male facing mask between two birds embraced at the necks. 1.76 grams, 21 mm



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

With graduated silver wire coils to the shank, collection of free-running cosmetic grooming pendants comprising: pelta-shaped plaque, quadrant-shaped plaque, ear scoop, miniature hammer, tweezers. 28.75 grams total, bracelet 88.90 mm wide



Formerly acquired in the late 1950s. From the family collection of a South East London collector.

Miniature hammers occur in pre-Viking times both in Scandinavia and in England, but their number increased markedly in Viking Scandinavia. They are known in iron, bronze, occasionally amber, and, from the 10th century onward, silver. They are predominantly found in women's graves, while most of the silver examples come from hoards of the late 10th and 11th centuries.