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LOT 0305
Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Radiate-Headed Brooch
LATE 5TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (28 grams, 11 cm).
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.
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, items VIII.6.2, VIII.6.3.
FootnotesThe 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).
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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Large Gothic Silver-Gilt Buckle with Raven and Eagle Heads
Late 6th-early 7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,420
Comprised of a crescent loop with bird-head finials, punched-point detailing and cloison eyes; tongue with beast-head finial; plaque with separate square panel of raised ornament with garnet cloison to each corner, larger central cloison surrounded by eight smaller, profile bird-head to the rear with garnet cloison eye. 190 grams, 18 cm
Very fine condition.
Acquired in Munich in the 1970s. From an old European 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. 11831-206924.
Numerous examples of these buckles, together with stirrup fibulae with buttons, were found in the necropolis of the Bosphorus, brought from the Danube area in the first and second half of the 6th century. They were part of the equipment of burials in crypts or inhumation tombs, dated from the end of the 6th century to the 7th century. Accurate comparisons can be made with a specimen recovered in burial tomb 315 of Eski Kermen, (first half of the 7th century), a grave belonging to a woman of Alan ethnic group, buried with Gothic ornaments. -
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. -
Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
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.
