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LOT 0331
Frankish Silver-Gilt Hippocampus Brooch
6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (11.7 grams, 35 mm).
Composed of an s-shaped body, central band of chip-carved zigzags, triangular ear and chevron mouth, crescentic leg beneath the body; discoid cell to the eye with inset garnet cloison; pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse.
ProvenanceAcquired in the early 1970s.
Ex property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
Cf. Brugmann, B., The Role of Continental Artefact-Types in Sixth Century Kentish Chronology in Hines, J. et al., The Pace of Change, Studies in Early Medieval Chronology, Oxford, 1999, fig.3.4, phase II; cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VIII.17.17, for similar S-shaped fibulas from Marchélepot, France.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Merovingian Gold Ring with Cabochon Garnet
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
The hoop sub-circular in cross-section with collars and crescents at the shoulders, oval bezel set with a polished cabochon cut garnet. 2.79 grams, 21.85 mm overall, 16.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
From an old London collection, formed in the late 1990s. -
Merovingian Gold Filigree Ring with Garnets
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Composed of a narrow D-section hoop with expanded bezel with two bands of granulation between plain ribs; three scaphoid garnet cloisons, each backed with a waffle-pattern foil insert. 2.87 grams, 20 mm overall, 17.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.0, Japan 15
Acquired in the 1970s. From an English private collection. -
Visigothic Silver-Gilt 'CMASPRO' Nummular Brooch
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Comprising a round plaque and beaded border; catch to the reverse and pin-lugs with mineralised fabric; inset gilt sheet silver medallion with stylised profile imperial bust, herringbone border and legend 'CMASPRO'. 11 grams, 41 mm
Fine condition. Extremely rare.
Acquired from a private London collection formed in the early 1990s. Ex private Suffolk, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200199.
The legend 'CMASPRO' may be a bungled attempt to reproduce Roman script.
