Dark Age Silver Brooch and Buckle Group

Comprising: a semi-circular headplate with a ram-head knop at the apex and applied gilt projections at the sides forming part of the spring mechanism; deep keeled bow with a petalled finials; keeled subrectangular footplate with a rounded finial and a tapering catchplate below. 67 grams, 20.7 cm



L. De Clercq collection, Belgium, 1980s. Ex private European collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 13013-246783.

Fibulae of this type were mainly found in female burials and were placed on the right side of the chest and on the left shoulder. It was from this period that the custom of wearing wide belts with buckles and a pair of brooches on the shoulders spread along the south-western Black Sea coast, having originated among the Germanic tribes of the western Roman provinces.

D-section hoop with ribbed shoulders, an oval bezel with a feline in a dynamic pose. 5.86 grams, 24.60 mm overall, 20.29 x 17.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



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

Comprising: an oval buckle with tongue, and another similar without tongue; three bow brooches, one with a pin. 16.9 grams total, 18-39 mm



From a European collection, 1990s.