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LOT 1454
Saxon and Other Bronze Strap End Collection
CIRCA 8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 - 2 in. (54.6 grams total, 34-51 mm).
Comprising mainly Thomas's Class A Types 1, 2 and 5, many with silver inlay and niello; two tongue-shaped types. [10, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureSee Thomas, G., Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age Strap-Ends 750-1100: Part 1, Finds Research Group datasheet 32, Sleaford, 2007.
FootnotesThomas' Class A is the classic ‘long’ 9th-century strap end with animal-head terminal, often depicted in the Trewhiddle style. During the 9th century, for the first time in the Anglo-Saxon period, we see the adoption of what may be termed a 'national' artistic style - the Trewhiddle style - which has been recognised on objects from Anglo-Saxon England, from as far as Cornwall and Talnotrie, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
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Anglo-Saxon Large Bronze Cruciform Bow Brooch
Late 5th-early 6th century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £140
Of Martin's Type 3.2.4 (Holywell Row) featuring a trapezoidal headplate with lateral trapezoidal panels, domed knop above; deep bow with facetted ends, T-shaped footplate with lateral lappets, horse-head finial with discoid nostrils; complete ferrous pin and catchplate to the reverse, hollowed reverse to the horse-head. 71 grams, 13.5 cm
Acquired circa 1995. From an East Anglian private collection.
The Holywell Row type in Martin's analysis extends from the northern shore of the Thames Estuary as far as Yorkshire, but with a cluster in the Cambridge area. The edges of the headplate show the faintest traces of punched detailing, if this is not the result of the original clean-up when the brooch was taken from its mould; similar marks can be discerned on the footplate below the junction with the bow. The finial shows little zoomorphic detailing but the nostrils are characteristic of the type. The presence of the pin is remarkable. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Great Square-Headed Brooch
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Of Hines's Group XIII with running scrolls on the headplate surrounded by a border of beast-masks, deep bow with raised ribs, curved horse-head lappets and lateral lobes with facing masks, median panel of Style I ornament; remains of ferrous pin to the reverse and deep catch; some silver detailing; finial absent. 77.9 grams, 11.5 cm
Found near Thetford, Norfolk, UK, circa 2010.
This brooch falls within Hines's Group XIII and shares many features with an example from Nassington, Northamptonshire. The headplate bears a raised rectangular frame (possibly silvered) separating the inner scroll motif from the outer band of animal-masks which are pierced along the inner edge; the lappets are also pierced at the point of junction with the footplate. The lateral lobes feature facing masks of a helmetted type similar to those featured on contemporary button brooches. -
Anglo-Saxon Wrist Clasps and Ring Group
6th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
The ring with a decoratively twisted bezel and overlapping arms; two clasps, one decorated with punched annulets. 12.8 grams total, 23-34 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.