Dark Age Bronze Zoomorphic Mount

Consisting of part of the semi-circular headplate embellished with three radiating knops and a band of geometric swirls, arched bow with raised rib and boss. 7.88 grams, 35 mm



Found near Boxford, West Berkshire, UK, in 2001. Accompanied by various correspondence with West Berkshire Council and the British Museum, including a letter disclaiming the brooch as treasure dated 22nd November 2001, BM Treasure case: 2001 T1. Accompanied by PAS record id. PAS-D36287.

The brooch is similar to Rhineland examples from Andernach and Bonn, Germany (H Kühn, Die germanischen Bügelfibeln der Völkerwanderungszeit in der Rheinprovinz(Bonn, 1940), Taf. 67: 6,3; 6,5; 6,6). However, a more ovoid form ending in an animal head is not impossible.

Comprised of a crescent loop with bird-head finials, punched-point detailing and cloison eyes; tongue with beast-head finial; plaque with separate square panel of raised ornament with garnet cloison to each corner, larger central cloison surrounded by eight smaller, profile bird-head to the rear with garnet cloison eye. 190 grams, 18 cm

Very fine condition.

Acquired in Munich in the 1970s. From an old European collection. Property of an important West London collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11831-206924.

Numerous examples of these buckles, together with stirrup fibulae with buttons, were found in the necropolis of the Bosphorus, brought from the Danube area in the first and second half of the 6th century. They were part of the equipment of burials in crypts or inhumation tombs, dated from the end of the 6th century to the 7th century. Accurate comparisons can be made with a specimen recovered in burial tomb 315 of Eski Kermen, (first half of the 7th century), a grave belonging to a woman of Alan ethnic group, buried with Gothic ornaments.

A Frankish or Ostrogothic necklace, composed of a bifacial design displaying a Christian cross over geometric cells, featuring cut and polished garnet inlays with emerald cabochons to centre of cross, dove-shaped garnets to the lower edge, gold hoop above studded with gold pellets, suspended on a gold link chain with hook-and-eye closure. 14.33 grams, 38.5 cm long



Acquired in the on the London art market in the 1970s. Property of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11883-207089.