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LOT 1378
Merovingian Bronze Eagle Brooch
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (4.9 grams, 37 mm).
Bird in profile facing right with highly stylised geometric detailing; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LiteratureCf. Beck, H. et al., Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, fig.156 (4,5).
FootnotesThe catchplate has been re-attached with a stud passing through the body of the brooch.
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:
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LOT 1378
Merovingian Bronze Eagle Brooch
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
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Merovingian Silver-Gilt Brooch with Garnets
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,872
The edges slightly bowed, raised rim enclosing an S-scroll motif in each angle, four rectangular cells each with a replaced inset garnet cloison, central low-relief rosette motif; pin-lug and catch to the reverse, with old collector's reference 'MS232'; some restoration. 9.83 grams, 29 mm
Fine condition, some restoration.
Collection of Dr Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s. From an important private Dutch collection. Accompanied by an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.169958/07/12/2020. This lot has also been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.10457-169958. -
Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Radiate-Headed Brooch
Late 5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with running-scroll motif and five radiating balustered knops, the median one with an applied cell and inset garnet cabochon; short bow with median rib and tiered junction to the lozengiform footplate with running scroll motifs and cabochon garnets at the angles; lateral pierced triangular panels with cabochon garnets below and a beast-head finial; pin-lugs, spring, pin and catch to the reverse. 28 grams, 11 cm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
The pierced triangular element above the finial was probably intended to represent two animals with heads bent down, the garnet cabochons forming the eyes; this is more clearly shown on the example from Ravenna (VIII.6.2). -
Dark Age Tinned Bronze Bird Head Finial
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Comprising an octagonal tube with tinned finish decorated with ring-and-dot motifs, at the top a hooked 'beak' with lateral guides for a strap. 35.3 grams, 38 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.