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LOT 0301
Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (70 grams, 86 mm).
The headplate engraved with an ithyphallic penis at the centre enclosed within concentric geometric borders, three domed studs to the perimeter; the penis motif repeated in smaller plate forming part of the tongue, oval-shaped buckle engraved with clusters of vertical lines; remains of tinning; three pierced attachment lugs to reverse; repaired.
Provenancewith Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152.
Private collection, Europe.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 17.191.223, for an example dated circa 600 A.D.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0301
Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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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). -
Alamannic Silver-Gilt Lozenge-Shaped Mount
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With central cross-motif with scrolled arms; four pierced lugs to the perimeter, horned silver to verso; possibly re-gilded. 8.74 grams, 61 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
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.
