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LOT 0300
Large Pre-Viking Gold Bracteate Medallion with Interlaced Snakes
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (13.04 grams, 61 mm).
Executed using the repoussé technique, depicting interlaced snakes or possibly Jörmungandr, the world serpent; applied suspension loop with repoussé chevrons and pellets, faux ropework border around the whole.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11729-200423.
Cf. Glob., P.V., Danefae, Copenhagen, 1980, no.60; Various, Riflessi di Roma, L’Impero Romano e Barbari del Baltico (Reflections of Rome, the Roman Empire and the Barbarians of the Baltic), Roma, 1992, pp.218ff., no.4 D.
FootnotesThe bracteate belongs to the main type D, showing an image of tetramorphic monsters. Probably here the representation refers to Jörmungandr, the serpent of Midgard, son of Loki and killer of Thor, protagonist of Ragnarok - the downfall of the gods. The art of the bracteate medallions is one of the few contemporary sources for the pre-Christian religion of the Nordic countries. It demonstrates that ancient Germanic mythology, although known from later texts, was built on a tradition dating back to at least the 5th-6th centuries A.D. The function of these medallions was linked to the social position of the wearer in Germanic society.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0300
Large Pre-Viking Gold Bracteate Medallion with Interlaced Snakes
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
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Viking Age Bronze Tortoise-Type Brooch Group
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Comprising three shallow-domed plate brooches each with low-relief zoomorphic ornament and a narrow ledged rim; to the reverse, a small catch and T-shaped pin-lug; one with textile remains in situ. 140 grams total, 77-80 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Penannular Brooch with Dragon Heads
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Featuring returned dragon-head terminals and braided shank, punched decoration to the free-running pin head. 24.3 grams, 57 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
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Pre-Viking Bronze Ring with Thor's Hammer and Beads
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Suspension loop with four spherical glass beads and a miniature hammer with a braided loop. 6.24 grams, 43.83 mm overall, 14.52 x 9.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
