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LOT 1731
Large Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount with Saltire Cross
11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (35.9 grams, 61 mm).
Tongue-shaped in plan with knop finial at the apex, four lateral lugs, ledge to bottom edge; pierced below the apex and with two small piercings on the ledge; incised border and trilinear incised saltire motif with niello fill; Williams's Class C. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Norfolk, UK.
LiteratureCf. Williams, D., Late Saxon Stirrup-Strap Mounts, York, 1997, item 484, for type.
FootnotesAn unusual mount in some respects: the body is both long and sturdy, but the ledge is very narrow, and the two mounting holes are close together (which would be a weakness when mounting on a strap); the decoration is remarkably unambitious for so large a piece whose flat panel offers a great deal of scope for ornament.
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:
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LOT 1731
Large Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount with Saltire Cross
Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
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Viking Age Silver Pendant with Odin and Ravens
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £663
A discoid pendant with integral loop, beaded border enclosing a low-relief gilded image of a male facing mask between two birds embraced at the necks. 2.98 grams, 22 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Period Bronze Penannular Brooch Collection
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Including lozenge-section, ribbed and other types, most with their pins. 39 grams total, 22-44 mm
From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent. -
Viking Silver-Gilt Seated Freyja Mount
Circa 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
A parcel-gilt plaque pendant with facing seated figure, probably the goddess Freyja, modelled in the half-round; the hands raised to grip lateral ribbed strands of hair, the garment formed as two crossed bands on the chest, the knees prominent and feet placed together; emerging from each strand of hair, a feline with curled tail, ribbed body, foreleg curled over the neck, notched fingers and triangular face with lappet and snubbed snout; loop above the head, three holes to the edges. 30.6 grams, 46 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13159-248791.
The figure represents a seated female accompanied by two cats. In the Icelandic poem Gylfaginning (The Deceiving of Gylfi), Freyja is said to be seated in her chariot drawn by two cats. Her hall in heaven is called Sessrumnir, meaning 'with room for many seats'. She is also associated with a high seat from which prophecy is made, similar to that of Odin.
