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LOT 0353
Pre-Viking Gold Aroma Bucket Pendant
CIRCA 4TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.78 grams, 13.52 mm).
Miniature drum-shaped vessel covered in filigree bobbles with strap handle. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
See Khrapunov, I. & Stylegar, F.A., Inter Ambo Maria, Contacts between Scandinavia and the Crimea in the Roman Period; Бажан И, А., Каргапольцев С, Ю, 1989, Об одной категории украшений-амулетов римского времени в Восточной Европе, СА, No.3; also see Meaney, A., Anglo-Saxon Amulets and Curing Stones, Oxford, BAR British Series 96, 1981, p.166-168, for discussion of the type.
FootnotesPendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.
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Scandinavian Viking Age Silver Inlaid Iron Hilt Guard
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Hollow-formed with a deep curved profile; rectangular slot in the upper face for the tang; bands of applied silver ropework ornament on a sheet-silver field. 70 grams, 72 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
The guard is too narrow to have been used on a sword, but it may have been part of the hilt furniture of a high-status seax or knife. The form is approximately consistent with Petersen's Type Z of late-10th century date. -
Viking Gilt Bronze Horse Harness Mount with Face
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising a hollow central dome with four radiating trapezoidal arms, each with central piercing and bands of punched roundel decoration; dome with male face detailing, thick brow (or helmet) over two piriform eyes, rounded nose and wide-flaring moustache; suspension loop beneath the chin. 17.31 grams, 47.67 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Gripping Beast Pendant
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Comprising an integral suspension loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. 8.69 grams, 40 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
