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LOT 1668
High-Status Scandinavian Viking Silver Snarling Dragon Mount
9TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (2 1/4 in.) (7 grams, 23 mm (21 grams total, 57mm including stand)).
Featuring a chip-carved knotted scheme between scrolling flanks, dragon’s head terminal with upturned nostrils and snarling mouth revealing two rows of vicious teeth; flat back with three studs for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenancePreviously in a North European collection.
Ex UK collection.
Nigel Mills, East London, UK.
Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Williams, G. edn., Vikings life and legends, The British Museum, London, 2014, p.24, for two animal heads of comparable form.
FootnotesAnimal heads of this size were often used to make mounts or small weights. They often had insertions of precious stones in the eyes and cavities, and were made of gold, silver, lead, and gilded bronze. The Norse mythological bestiary was varied, and dragon heads were common. Perhaps this head represents the world serpent, Jǫrmungandr, son of Loki and destined to die at the hands of Thor in Ragnarok, in turn killing the god with his poisonous exhalations.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1668
High-Status Scandinavian Viking Silver Snarling Dragon Mount
Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
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Pre-Viking Heavy Silver-Gilt Belt Attachments
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
Comprising: four cruciform mounts, each domed with reserved silver niello-filled interlaced cross on a billeted parcel-gilt field, mounting hole to each end, some with studs; T-shaped mount with reserved loops and bars on a billeted parcel-gilt field, loops above the vertical shank and fixing pin to angle; similar mount with ferrous remains to the hinge. 74 grams total, 41-49 mm
European art market. Acquired in Münich in 2012. European private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12289-222348. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Urnes Mount
Late 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
The openwork body formed as sinuous zoomorphic interlace in the Urnes style. 10.9 grams, 33 mm
Found Pulham Market, Norfolk, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.NMS-0139C1. -
'The Holt' Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Borre Brooch
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
With low-relief Borre style looped tendrils motif, lug and catch to the reverse. 10.4 grams, 29 mm
Found near Holt, Norfolk, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.
