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Details

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.

Provenance

Acquired in the early 1970s.
Ex property of a Surrey, UK, collector.

Literature

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.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 0331

Frankish Silver-Gilt Hippocampus Brooch

Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040

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