Large Saxon Amber Bead

Thomas Class A Type 1, broadly rectangular in plan with tapering arms; the decorative scheme is divided into three: the snout with pronounced ears; a central panel of Trewhiddle style interlaced beast with some remains of niello; the tail with two circular rivet holes. 4.5 grams, 36 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-28A953.

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.