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LOT 0308
Pre-Viking Silver-Gilt Scabbard Mount
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (4.2 grams, 14 mm).
Domed and with a ribbed basal rim, the sidewall with four small circular bosses each framed by a bilinear arch; surmounted by a slightly convex disc bearing an incised cross; transverse bar to the underside; Mortimer's type 4iii.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
See Mortimer, P., A Pyramid Scheme. Pyramid Mounts from the 5th to the 7th century found in the United Kingdom, on academia.edu; Mortimer, P., Woden's Warriors, Ely, 2011, p.115-7.
FootnotesThe mount is an extremely early example of the so-called 'sword pyramid' mount which was used in the Vendel period as part of the sword-suspension system. It has a parallel in the find from Sandby Borg, Oland, Sweden where Style I masks also appear.
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AUCTIONS:
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Scandinavian Viking Bronze Drum Brooch with Interlaced Panels
8th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
With four raised arms and central knop to the upper face, all with punched ring-and-dot detailing; the outer sidewall with four panels of knotwork, dividing vertical stems with ring-and-dot motif, each with a D-shaped protrusion; the upper face with dense zoomorphic ornament; pin and separate catchplate to the underside with central hole, five studs retaining it to the upper. 71.6 grams total, 45 mm
Fine condition, pin intact, backplate slightly cracked.
UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11406-192532.
The type is known as a 'drum' brooch or 'box' brooch. They were apparently manufactured on the island of Gotland and all known examples probably have their origin there. Over time, the refinement of the earlier types (such as the present example) is superseded by cruder decoration consisting of dimples or simple dots. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Apex Stirrup Mount
11th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With pentagonal body bearing zoomorphic designs, pierced close to the apex for attachment to a stirrup-strap, with two holes close to the lower edge and ledge to the reverse; Williams's Class A Type 16. 22.39 grams, 47 mm
Found Hampshire, UK.
This mount is not typical of the Class but the trilobe 'topknot' at the apex is clearly based on the design of Type 16 with a facing animal-head. -
Viking Age Traded Hacked Gold Bar Section
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
The rectangular bar with a cut at each end. 1.42 grams, 14 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Somerset collector, UK, since at least the early 2000s.
