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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.
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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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. -
Merovingian Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Comprising a keeled hoop with a lozenge-shaped bezel, raised cell set with garnet cabochon, applied granules framing the bezel. 3.64 grams, 22.80 mm overall, 18.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman.
The Merovingian rings typically have bezels in the form of four-sided pyramids decorated with filigree, granulation, and sometimes inlay. Around the bezel, as in this case, are often triangular clusters of granulation and gold pellets. -
Germanic Silver Buckle and Snake-Headed Strap Ends
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £35
Round-section buckle loop (Heynowski Type 2.1.9.1) with conical tongue, the narrow end curved over the loop; two two-part strap ends each with the upper panel formed as a snake's head. 22.3 grams total, 26-33 mm
From an old Suffolk, UK, collection, 1990s. Property of an Essex gentleman.
