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LOT 0291
Large Anglo-Saxon Bronze Great Square-Headed Brooch
LATE 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 in. (136 grams, 16 cm).
Comprising a rectangular headplate with outer band of Style I masks, raised border and inner panel of scrolls with two annular cells to accept inlay; shallow bow with raised median rib and corrugated surface, outward facing mask at each end; footplate with lateral lappets featuring profile horse-heads; median bar with central cell, lozenge panels with scrolled border and masks in the lateral lugs; mask at the lower end with raised triangle; scars from pin-lugs and catch to the reverse.
ProvenanceFound Seaham, Co Durham, UK.
Property of a Durham private collector.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12924-245112.
Cf. Hines, J., A New Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Great Square-Headed Brooches, London, 1997, items 17(a), Rothley for headplate, 16(b), Holywell Row for foot.
FootnotesThe brooch seems to belong to the group IV of the great squared brooches. Usually, they have a large 'rampant beast' in the footplate upper borders, and a large mask in the terminal lobe, of rather more varying pattern.
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AUCTIONS:
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Anglo-Saxon Bronze Wrist Clasp Pair
Late 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Each a flat bronze plaque with two panels of horizontal ribbing dividing the upper face, a pair of ring-and-dot motifs to the outer panels and a single motif to the median, loop to the rear edge of each panel and pierced lug to the forward edge; Hines Form B12. 10.16 grams total, 33 mm each
Found Seaham, Co Durham, UK. Property of a Durham private collector.
The two clasp-halves are from the same suite but are not a pair - the corresponding half would be similar but with a hook to engage with and fasten the pierced lug. -
Late Anglo-Saxon Bronze Harness Fitting
Circa 1020-1100 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Flat in section with large loop at the upper edge, eccentrically-placed vertical slot, pairs of lateral lugs and scoop to the (broken) lower edge; Williams's Type 1 harness or bridle fitting. 19.7 grams, 41 mm
Found Tuesday 1st April 2025 in Wenham Parva, Babergh, Suffolk, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-934ACA. -
Late Saxon Gilt Bronze Armband
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
With median parcel-gilt channel and two small securing holes at one end. 12 grams, 76 mm
From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.
This is probably the decorative strip or fitting from a luxury item.
