Loading, please wait...
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:
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.
-
Frankish Silver-Gilt Hippocampus Brooch
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
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. 11.7 grams, 35 mm
Acquired in the early 1970s. Ex property of a Surrey, UK, collector. -
Merovingian Gold Ring with Garnet Gemstone
Later 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Comprising scrolled foliage to the shoulders, tiered disc bezel with beaded wire collar, inset garnet cabochon. 3.85 grams, 23.20 mm overall, 17.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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.
