Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Gilt Bronze Entwined Beast Brooch

Each link in the chain composed of three separate hoops, the equal-arm brooches with decoration in high-relief and remains of pin-lugs and catchplate to reverse. 252 grams total, 78 cm long



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

Formed from an Abbasid caliphate dinar coin with ribbed suspension loop above. 4.36 grams, 25 mm



Acquired 1970s. From a London, UK, collection.

Modelled facing left, stylised wing and body detailing; remains of a fitting element to reverse. 6.06 grams, 30 mm



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

Bird brooches from the late(r) Viking era have been found in Scandinavia as well in areas occupied and inhabited by the Vikings and Norsemen within England, in Anglo-Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon contexts. These so-called bird shaped brooches can be dated to the 11th and even early 12th century. Stylistically the brooch here cannot be categorised as a distinct 'Viking style' such as the late Urnes style, although some types of other bird shaped brooches shows us connections to the Ringerike and Urnes style. The decoration and form of the bird on the brooch here is more influenced by the development of Romanesque styles spreading from the Continent into Scandinavian art, like the style of a bird, depicted on the right corner next to the door portal of Rimsø Kirke, Jylland, completed in 1150 A.D.