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LOT 0333
Large Anglo-Saxon Bronze Great Square-Headed Brooch
LATE 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/2 in. (72 grams, 13.9 cm).
Comprising a rectangular headplate with openwork masks to the outer edge, imprint of fabric to the central panel; shallow bow with three vertical ribs; lappets below the bow, footplate developing to a triangular facing mask with domed eyes and concentric triangles, openwork finial with pelta-shaped panel; pin-lug and catch with ancient repair to the reverse.
ProvenanceFound Seaham, Co Durham, UK.
Property of a Durham private collector.
Cf. MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E., A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 14.3, for type.
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Anglo-Saxon Bronze Applied Disc Brooch
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £293
Discoid in plan with pin-lug, chord, pin and catch to the reverse; applied rim secured by four domed rivets; low-relief hexafoil motif with interstitial ring-and-dot motifs, segmented border. 16.9 grams, 48 mm
Found Cambridgeshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman.
Applied brooches are a recognised form of early Anglo-Saxon costume, associated mostly with Saxon areas such as Sussex and the Thames valley. The majority of such brooches are made up from a plain backplate with the pin and catch attached, and a thin front plate with repoussé ornament. The present example appears to be formed as a decorative body with an applied rim; there is evidence for this construction technique in the form of two unassociated rims from a grave at Fairford (Gloucestershire) (MacGregor & Bolick, item 1.39). -
Saxon Bronze Ring with Lion
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Comprising a D-section hoop and discoid bezel with incuse lion walking right, similar to Anglo-Saxon coins of King Eadberht of Northumbria. 3.38 grams, 19.76 mm overall, 16.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Although the main themes represented on the bezels of Dark Ages rings were inspired by Christian themes, sometimes images of animals were also depicted. The lions were connected with Biblical interpretations and episodes in Byzantium as well as in the West. -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Cruciform Long Brooch
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Comprising a rectangular headplate and three radiating knops, broad bow and horse-head footplate with scrolled nostril, suspension loop to the reverse; accompanied with note reading: 'Anglo-Saxon, Bronze Cruciform Brooch, C. 6th century AD, Bronze cruciform brooch of fine quality. Features an integral top & side with semi-circular knobs & moulded collars. it has short wings & a high arched bow with a central groove & faceted corners, with a fine zoomorphic foot. Provenance: M. O'Bee collection, found in Lincolnshire in the 1970's.' 19.2 grams, 80 mm
Found in Lincolnshire, UK, in the 1970s. M. O'Bee collection. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information ticket.
