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LOT 1420
Pre-Viking Large Crystal Lens Magnifier with Bronze Case and Wrapping
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
2 - 11 3/8 in. (165 grams total, 5-29 cm).
The group comprising: a polished rock crystal lens for magnification, formed with a domed upper face and gently convex base; two-part sheet-bronze case consisting of a domed lid and dish-style base, both components pierced; a relatively large textile fragment. [3]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
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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LOT 1420
Pre-Viking Large Crystal Lens Magnifier with Bronze Case and Wrapping
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Silver Earring
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With round-section hook, filigree collars, granulated bulb and flanking panels, openwork panel above. 6.25 grams, 30 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Jellinge Style Regardant Beast Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Openwork field with beast and pellets, lappets forming a mesh around the body; integral loop. 10.4 grams, 45 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Contorted Gripping Beast Pendant
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Scandinavian pendant of Norelund type with integral suspension loop; the openwork plaque with three-band border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping hands to the body and border, facing mask below the loop. 6.22 grams, 34 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection.
There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures, including Sigurð's fight with the dragon Fafnir.
