Loading, please wait...
LOT 1509
Dark Age Tinned Bronze Bird Head Finial
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (35.3 grams, 38 mm).
Comprising an octagonal tube with tinned finish decorated with ring-and-dot motifs, at the top a hooked 'beak' with lateral guides for a strap.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
TimeLine 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.
LOT 1509
Dark Age Tinned Bronze Bird Head Finial
Estimate £180 - 240€210 - 280 (for guidance only)$240 - 320 (for guidance only)
-
Alemannic Silver-Gilt S-Shaped Bird Brooch
Late 6th-early 7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
With raised borders and median band, all decorated with triangular punchmarks and niello fill; gilt chip-carved band detailing; discoid cell at each end with garnet cloison 'eye' (one absent); pin-lug and catch to the reverse. 3.88 grams, 31 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
A classic development of the S-fibula with bird-head detailing. -
Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Radiate-Headed Brooch
Late 5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with running-scroll motif and five radiating balustered knops, the median one with an applied cell and inset garnet cabochon; short bow with median rib and tiered junction to the lozengiform footplate with running scroll motifs and cabochon garnets at the angles; lateral pierced triangular panels with cabochon garnets below and a beast-head finial; pin-lugs, spring, pin and catch to the reverse. 28 grams, 11 cm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
The pierced triangular element above the finial was probably intended to represent two animals with heads bent down, the garnet cabochons forming the eyes; this is more clearly shown on the example from Ravenna (VIII.6.2). -
Dark Age Gold and Gemstone Pendant Cross Necklace with Dove-Shaped Garnets
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,700
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.