Germanic Bronze Belt Buckle

Comprising: ellipsoid loop with hollow reverse; tongue with discoid shield, curved over the forward edge of the loop; rectangular plate with five rectangular segments, each set with two triangular glass cloisons flanking a discoid cabochon, with roundel detailing to the end of each row and three more at the outer end of the plate; slightly domed disc with sheet-gold surface, to the outer edge a series of inset triangular garnet cloison, repoussé segmented band enclosing four roundels with interstitial gammadions, central stepped dome with banded agate cabochon to the centre, hinge knuckles to the outer edge. 169 grams, 17.5 cm



From the collection of Adolphe Stoclet, 1871-1949. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12138-217045.

The buckle plate is long and narrow and the loop is proportionate in size, but the inset glass elements have suffered from abrasion and usage wear. Normally, the buckle plate would have four pierced attachment lugs to the reverse, but the reverse of this plate is plain. The large gold-covered panel resembles a phalera or harness fitting rather than a belt-buckle fitting. On this basis, it is suggested that the item is likely a marriage of a belt-buckle with a harness fitting.

Comprising a penannular shank and square plaque, pointillé bands to the shoulders, two linear figures holding a cross in their conjoined hands; possibly matrimonial. 11.14 grams, 25.70 mm overall, 21.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)



Acquired from Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK, 2010. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.

Comprising: matched pair of silver bow brooches, each a D-shaped headplate with lateral posts and knop finials, C-shaped bow with rosette to each end and cross below, tongue-shaped footplate, two transverse bars to reverse of headplate, spring and pin, catch below; matched pair of smaller bow brooches each with triangular headplate and radiating knops, carinated bow, tongue-shaped footplate, remains of ferrous spring and catch to the reverse; dress pin with biconvex fluted head; tweezers with pointillé band to each arm. 132 grams total, 5.1-14.6 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12143-218210.