Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Buckle with Eagle-Headed Plate

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).

Comprising a domed loop with running spiral ornament to the outer face; tongue with ribbed panel to the rear, beast-head finial curved over the forward edge; plate with square panel, cell to each corner and one to the centre with inset cabochon garnets, profile eagle-head to the rear edge with cabochon garnet eye. 105 grams, 13.3 cm

Fine condition.

Previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000. From an East London collection. Property of an important West London collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11885-206926.

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.