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LOT 0299
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Mythical Beast Shield Mount
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (10.2 grams, 60 mm).
With punched outline to the body and legs, gilded head with open jaws and raised cell eye; attachment studs to the reverse.
ProvenanceFound near Grimsby, UK, circa 2015.
LiteratureCf. Pollington, S., Kerr, L. & Hammond, B., Wayland's Work: Anglo-Saxon Art, Myth & Material Culture from the 4th to 7th century, Ely, 2010, p.360; Green, B., Rogerson, A., The Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Bergh Apton, Norfolk: Catalogue, East Anglian Archaeology Reports. Gressenhall: Norfolk Archaeological Unit, 1978.
FootnotesA number of similar mounts, probably from shields or possibly saddles, have been found in England, notably the beast from grave 26 at Bergh Apton (Norfolk) where the animal depicted may be a bear.
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:
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Anglo-Saxon Bronze Entwined Serpent Mount
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
With openwork design of two serpents interlaced, each with billeted body and lentoid eyes, ropework border to the shorter sides; old collector's accession numbers to the underside '91.115' and '15871'. 10.9 grams, 46 mm
UK collection formed 1970s-1990s. Ex property of an English gentleman.
The decorative pattern of this mount is similar to what, according to S. West, is an Anglo-Saxon die found in Suffolk, where legless animal forms are represented lying head to tail, with beaded bodies within a beaded border. Also here the animals are showing interlaced jaws and headed bodies, all contained in a border. -
Anglo-Saxon Wrist Clasps and Ring Group
6th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
The ring with a decoratively twisted bezel and overlapping arms; two clasps, one decorated with punched annulets. 12.8 grams total, 23-34 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Chip-Carved Beast Manuscript Mount
Circa 7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
With high-relief aviform head and wings and looped ornamental swags, knotwork panels in the field; two holes for mounting; possibly a book-mount, Hiberno-Saxon workmanship. 22.5 grams, 33 mm
Found East Anglia, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11884-204955.
