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LOT 1618
Merovingian Gilt Bronze Brooch Fragments
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 - 1 1/4 in. (15.4 grams total, 11-31 mm).
Group of gilt-bronze fragments from a bow brooch with beast-head finial and scrolled motifs to the footplate, lateral lugs with inset garnet cloisons; catchplate to reverse. [6]
ProvenancePrivate collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. Heynowski, R., Bestimmungsbuch Archaeologie: Fibeln, Munich, 2012, item 3.24.3.2, for type.
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AUCTIONS:
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Merovingian Frankish Gilt Bronze Face in Iron Die
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Gilded bronze panel set into a square iron matrix; the panel with facing bust with curls of hair and earrings of three pellets, flanked by two processional crosses and surrounded by a border of pellets. 38.6 grams, 38 mm
From the collection of a London antiquarian, 1980s. -
Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £683
The headplate engraved with an ithyphallic penis at the centre enclosed within concentric geometric borders, three domed studs to the perimeter; the penis motif repeated in smaller plate forming part of the tongue, oval-shaped buckle engraved with clusters of vertical lines; remains of tinning; three pierced attachment lugs to reverse; repaired. 70 grams, 86 mm
with Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152. Private collection, Europe. -
Lombardic Gold Cross for Agilulf
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Flat-section with stamped triangular decorated border enclosing inscription: 'CX REX VICTVRIA'; attributed to King Agilulf. 25.73 grams, 53.47 mm
Acquired on the London art market before 2000. Acquired from a major Mayfair, London, UK, gallery. Ex property of a London gentleman.
The inscription 'VICTURIA' and 'REX' appears on several items that belonged to Agilulf (ca. 515-616 AD), the king of the Lombards who accepted Christianity to appease his wife, Theodelinda, the widow of his predecessor King Authari. Under Agilulf, the Lombards accepted Arian Christianity; in 603, the king adopted the Roman Catholic faith and baptised his son, Adaloald. A representation of the king appears on a helmet panel from Valdinievole, now in the Bargello, Florence. Stamped decoration in the form of a triangle with three dots inside was popular among Germanic tribes, used during the early and high Middle Ages.
