Large Saxon Amber Bead

With punched outline to the body and legs, gilded head with open jaws and raised cell eye; attachment studs to the reverse. 10.2 grams, 60 mm



Found near Grimsby, UK, circa 2015.

A number of similar mounts, probably from shields or possibly saddles, have been found in England, notably the beast from grave 26 at Bergh Apton (Norfolk) where the animal depicted may be a bear.

One complete with facetted head punched-decorated with ring-and-dot motifs; bulbous facetted pin head punch-decorated with ring-and-dot motifs, partial remains of stem. 8.2 grams total, 38-77 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Discoid and hollow to the reverse with raised rim and shallow suspension hook with beast-head facetting; panel of three La Tène spirals and comma-leaf motifs, central void. 25.5 grams, 57 mm



Found near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK, circa 2010. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11893-204384.

Bowl mounts in groups of three are believed to have adorned the rim of bronze cauldrons which were used for the public dispensing of beer or mead at feasts. They are usually decorated in a manner which suggests that they were made in the north or northwest of Britain, and were either traded with the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms or, more likely, they formed part of the circulation of prestige goods among leading families in ritualised gift exchange.