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LOT 1329
Late Anglo-Saxon Prick Spur with Urnes Style Mythical Beast
CIRCA 1030-1100 A.D.
2 1/8 in. (28.9 grams, 55 mm).
The T-shaped body with remains of the iron core, each of the arms with a series of three transverse ridges, the shaft with moulded Urnes style zoomorphic decoration comprising scrolling tendrils running down either side, each running up to a coiled projection on either side of the head, possibly depicting ears or horns. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound whilst searching with a metal detector near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk, UK, by R.Humphrys.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.NMS-524F67.
Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.NMS-524F67.
LiteratureSee for similar spurs in PAS, nos. GLO-961A93, WILT-E1CDD0, BH-A1AFD3, SUR-301C41, SUR-C715A1; see also Williams, D., 'Two Late Saxon spur fragments from Sussex and Hampshire' in Medieval archaeology: Journal of the Society for Medieval Archaeology, 2002, no.46, pp.115-117.
FootnotesArtefacts such as these are dated to the 11th century and are thought to be Viking in origin, but were widely used by the Anglo-Scandinavians and remained a legacy for the Anglo-Saxon cavalry. Spurs of this type were used probably by the Saxons at the battle of Hastings in 1066.
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LOT 1329
Late Anglo-Saxon Prick Spur with Urnes Style Mythical Beast
Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
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Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Great Square-Headed Brooch
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Of Hines's Group XX with square headplate bearing concentric bands of billets, undulating lines and punched points, with vesica motifs to the upper corners; thick shallow bow with central rib, isosceles triangle footplate with horse-head lappets and flanking lobes with concentric rings, ropework bands and central vesica, disc finial with ropework border; pin-lugs to the reverse and broad catch. 136 grams, 13.5 cm
Found near Grimsby, Humberside, UK, circa 2010.
The brooch shows a restrained use of low-relief detailing confined to largely geometric features other than the horse-heads at the shoulders and the single facing mask on the headplate above the junction with the bow. The bow itself is very thick and displays a prominent median rib with just a suggestion of outer ribs. The mineral deposits on the reverse bear the imprint of the textile to which the brooch was attached. -
Saxon Bronze Strap End Group
7th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Mainly zoomorphic in form, including examples with remains of niello and enamel inlay, together with a mount displaying a central roundel featuring a geometric motif in silver inlay. 22.1 grams, 21-38 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic. -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Long Brooch Collection
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Including one example accompanied by a Portable Antiquities Scheme record, the brooch with a rectangular head plate, arched bow and pelta-shaped foot; three additional brooches with transverse decoration. 63 grams total, 45-68 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-A98971.
