Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1191
Merovingian Cicada Brooch
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (10 grams, 42 mm).
A stylised cicada brooch with minimalistic detailing to the upper face; pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
VETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Post Roman Gallic Figural Amuletic Bone Carving
5th-7th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £910
A carved bone amulet or mount displaying a stylised figural scene: central panel featuring two figures seated back to back at the centre, possibly bound captives, flanked by larger figures seated facing them, holding cups; two orderly rows of centre-facing heads either side; decorative striations to both terminals, pierced twice for attachment. 19.4 grams, 14 cm
Fine condition, small loss to the lower edge at one end.
Previously in the Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. From a Cambridge collection. Property of a North London gentleman.
The piece is curved and slightly twisted in the horizontal plane suggesting that it would be unsuitable for mounting on a piece of furniture or casket unless it formed an inset panel within a larger scene. -
Merovingian Lettered Openwork Plate Brooch
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £165
A rectangular bronze brooch decorated with punched ring-and-dot motifs and openwork lettering, possibly 'RIC/VLF'; hinged pin and catch to reverse. 15.6 grams, 43 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s-1980s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.
The item was probably part of a Merovingian belt fitting, later transformed in brooch with the application of the pin and catch. The name 'Riculf' or 'Ricolf' belonged to a bishop of Cologne, Germany, from 763 to 784 A.D. -
Post Roman Gallic Figural Amuletic Bone Carving
5th-7th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
A fishtail-shaped bone amulet or strap end displaying vertically arranged stylised figural panels: at the top, a central facing bust flanked by two further busts; a standing central figure with arms held skywards, a robed figure standing to each side holding his torso, one in a floor-length female garment and the other with one leg advancing showing trousers; an animal facing left below; panel with central vertical divide below, each populated with two busts, one pair facing left, the other facing right; ring-and-dot motifs with radiating lines below, possibly stylised sun motifs; two perforations to top edge for suspension; natural shrinkage crack, mostly evident to the reverse. 23.4 grams, 12 cm
Fine condition, shallow crack to reverse.
Previously in the Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. From a Cambridge collection. Property of a North London gentleman.
The standing animal may represent the lupa or she-wolf which nurtured Romulus and Remus in the mythical story of the founding of Rome. The Emperor Julian, later known as 'the Apostate', was responsible for turning his back on Christianity and promoting a return to traditional Roman values, which included veneration of 'Roma' and the founding legends.