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]

Provenance

Found Norfolk, UK.

Literature

Cf. Williams, D., Late Saxon Stirrup-Strap Mounts, York, 1997, item 484, for type.

Footnotes

An 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.

CONDITION

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LOT 1731