Dark Age Bronze Cruciform Human-Headed Stud Decoration

Comprising: D-section loop with gilt curved beak at each end, cell with inset garnet cabochon; D-section tongue with bird-head finial to the forward edge, faceted band at the rear; rectangular gilt plate with border, bands of repoussé scroll motifs and five cells with inset garnet cabochons, recurved backplate with roves. 101 grams, 11.2 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13271-253199.

A similar silver buckle was found in female burial 4 at Lucistoe, belonging to the Gothic-Alan necropolis. These buckles fastened the waist belts of deceased noblewomen, who must have belonged to the aristocracy of these foederati of the Eastern Empire.

Round-section hoop with a large discoid bezel with an eagle with curving wings and spread tail, head turned to the left, two stars on the field. 9.50 grams, 29.63 mm overall, 21.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Modelled as a stylised horse in a dynamic pose with an open mouth, the body decorated with linear and ring-and-dot motifs; a coiled pin and a catchplate on the reverse. 6.12 grams, 36 mm



Ex Wiltshire, UK, collection, 1990s.