Loading, please wait...
LOT 1457
Baltic Decorated Bronze Bracelet
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (157 grams, 95 mm).
With flange to both rims and bifacial ornament, bands of punched pellet and saltire detailing to the edges of each face and the outer rim, pointillé chevron, pellet and other motifs flanking the gap and on the hoop opposite; Latvian-Baltic type. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CVII (28); Latvian Academy of Culture, Catalogue of Endangered Latvian Archaeological Artefacts, Riga, 2016, p.6, no.9.
FootnotesThe warrior bracelets were very often decorated with symbols of divinities. The zig-zag line here visible are the symbol of Mara, the deity of earth and water and all the creatures within. An insight into her position within the ancient beliefs abound in dainas, and are just as often visually reflected in Latvian ornamental design. This symbol dates back to the Iron Age.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
.jpg)
Viking Bronze Boar's Head Brooch with Cross
9th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
With decorative upper surface attached to a plain back-plate with spring-lugs and catchplate intact; the upper face divided by a heavy cast median rib with zoomorphic ornament in the outer panels, arranged symmetrically along the rib with a similar transverse band; the corners of the wider end reinforced with vertical posts ending in heavy lobed ‘ears’; the side panels decorated with zones of interlace ornament and the upper-end panel with a continuation of the median rib, traces of ornamental interlace; the lower-end panel plain; the transverse band pierced by two holes to accept pins (part of one one still in situ) representing 'eyes' on the stylised head; hollow-cast. 62 grams, 56 mm
Acquired in the early 1990s. From an old English collection.
These animal head-brooches were seemingly manufactured solely on Gotland, and have been classified by scholars in various ways: for example, the manner in which the back-plate is formed and applied, or if a plain internal shell was overlaid with an openwork decorative casing. MacGregor classified them according to their decorative criteria, and his scheme is generally followed in Anglophone literature. They began to appear in the Vendel period (earlier 8th century) and continued into the 12th century in a broadly similar form. Our fitting is related to the conventional group of the gripping beast ornament, here very stylised. -
Viking Age Iron Inlaid Ring-Pin
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With circumferential bands of silver inlay and gilt detailing; free-running ring with similar inlay. 40.2 grams, 15 cm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Base Silver Ring
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Lozengiform bezel with stud to each angle, incised hatched design. 2.04 grams, 22.78 mm overall, 19.47 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)
Acquired on the UK art market. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.
