Loading, please wait...
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1329
Late Anglo-Saxon Prick Spur with Urnes Style Mythical Beast
Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
-
Saxon Bronze Strap End Collection
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Comprising mainly Thomas's Class A Type 1, some with beast-head finial. 45 grams total, 30-49 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Anglo-Saxon Large Bronze Cruciform Bow Brooch
Late 5th-early 6th century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £140
Of Martin's Type 3.2.4 (Holywell Row) featuring a trapezoidal headplate with lateral trapezoidal panels, domed knop above; deep bow with facetted ends, T-shaped footplate with lateral lappets, horse-head finial with discoid nostrils; complete ferrous pin and catchplate to the reverse, hollowed reverse to the horse-head. 71 grams, 13.5 cm
Acquired circa 1995. From an East Anglian private collection.
The Holywell Row type in Martin's analysis extends from the northern shore of the Thames Estuary as far as Yorkshire, but with a cluster in the Cambridge area. The edges of the headplate show the faintest traces of punched detailing, if this is not the result of the original clean-up when the brooch was taken from its mould; similar marks can be discerned on the footplate below the junction with the bow. The finial shows little zoomorphic detailing but the nostrils are characteristic of the type. The presence of the pin is remarkable. -
Late Anglo-Saxon Prick Spur with Urnes Style Mythical Beast
Circa 1030-1100 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
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. 28.9 grams, 55 mm
Found 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.
Artefacts 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.
