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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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AUCTIONS:
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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 Bronze Helmetted Head Button Brooch Collection
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising four uncleaned brooches displaying stylised male faces, including one with traces of gilding; each with remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 15.7 grams total, 14-21 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. -
Anglo-Saxon Bifacial Limestone Monumental Cross Arm with Interlaced Panels
Circa 9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £10,400
Portion of a lateral arm or head from a monumental cross of the Mercian Group with scoops at the junction with the shaft; Side A: a panel of dense knotwork within a raised border; Side B: a panel of coiled tendrils enmeshing the stems with vine-leaf finials; tooling and other marks to the undecorated faces; outer face (end): shallow incised cross. 5.67 kg total, 30 cm high including stand
Acquired in the 1980s. Ex S. Sherlock collection, Stoke-on-Trent, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11891-205888.
The lateral scoops form a partial round hole, one of four which give these crosses their characteristic form. -
Saxon Age Silver-Gilt Trefoil Brooch with Central Garnet
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Plaque with concentric raised rings and central glass cabochon, three radiating arms each with an S-scroll motif; catch and pin-lug to the reverse. 10.79 grams, 59 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The brooch is reminiscent of the Anglo-Scandinavian 'trefoil' type but lacks the customary detailing of that type. Its slender proportions and use of S-scrolled tendrils are more readily associated with the Irish metalworking tradition.
