Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1588
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.
Provenance
with Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152.
Private collection, Europe.
Literature
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 17.191.223, for an example dated circa 600 A.D.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Lombardic Gold Cross for Agilulf
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Flat-section with stamped triangular decorated border enclosing inscription: 'CX REX VICTVRIA'; attributed to King Agilulf. 25.73 grams, 53.47 mm
Acquired on the London art market before 2000. Acquired from a major Mayfair, London, UK, gallery. Ex property of a London gentleman.
The inscription 'VICTURIA' and 'REX' appears on several items that belonged to Agilulf (ca. 515-616 AD), the king of the Lombards who accepted Christianity to appease his wife, Theodelinda, the widow of his predecessor King Authari. Under Agilulf, the Lombards accepted Arian Christianity; in 603, the king adopted the Roman Catholic faith and baptised his son, Adaloald. A representation of the king appears on a helmet panel from Valdinievole, now in the Bargello, Florence. Stamped decoration in the form of a triangle with three dots inside was popular among Germanic tribes, used during the early and high Middle Ages. -
Slavic Silver and Carnelian Bead Necklace with Silver Cross Pendant
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Restrung group of carnelian oblate and spherical beads, parcel-gilt silver dangles with applied granules, silver lobed cross pendant with granules and central cabochon garnet. 82 grams, 58 cm long
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Merovingian Frankish Gilt Bronze Face in Iron Die
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Gilded bronze panel set into a square iron matrix; the panel with facing bust with curls of hair and earrings of three pellets, flanked by two processional crosses and surrounded by a border of pellets. 38.6 grams, 38 mm
From the collection of a London antiquarian, 1980s.
