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LOT 1497
Saxon Iron Artefact Collection
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 - 15 in. (708 grams total, 8.7-38 cm).
Comprising a straight cutting edge battle knife with a short tang; a shorter slender cutting edge battle knife with long tang; three small hunting knives; an iron ring and a possible javelin head. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
LiteratureCf. Carver, M., Sutton Hoo, A Seventh-Century princely burial ground and its context, figs.94, 97, 103, 118, for similar knives.
FootnotesBattle knives are common in 6th -7th century Anglo-Saxon graves. They were, when not used, kept in their sheath and suspended from the belt by a detachable strap with a buckle.
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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Late Anglo-Saxon Prick Spur with Urnes Style Mythical Beast
Circa 1030-1100 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
The T-shaped body with remains of the iron core, each of the arms with a series of three transverse ridges, the shaft with moulded Urnes style zoomorphic decoration comprising scrolling tendrils running down either side, each running up to a coiled projection on either side of the head, possibly depicting ears or horns. 28.9 grams, 55 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk, UK, by R.Humphrys. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.NMS-524F67.
Artefacts such as these are dated to the 11th century and are thought to be Viking in origin, but were widely used by the Anglo-Scandinavians and remained a legacy for the Anglo-Saxon cavalry. Spurs of this type were used probably by the Saxons at the battle of Hastings in 1066. -
Anglo-Saxon Bifacial Limestone Monumental Cross Arm with Interlaced Panels
Circa 9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £10,400
Portion of a lateral arm or head from a monumental cross of the Mercian Group with scoops at the junction with the shaft; Side A: a panel of dense knotwork within a raised border; Side B: a panel of coiled tendrils enmeshing the stems with vine-leaf finials; tooling and other marks to the undecorated faces; outer face (end): shallow incised cross. 5.67 kg total, 30 cm high including stand
Acquired in the 1980s. Ex S. Sherlock collection, Stoke-on-Trent, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11891-205888.
The lateral scoops form a partial round hole, one of four which give these crosses their characteristic form. -
Anglo-Saxon Nummular Disc Brooch
6th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Displaying a stylised regardant beast standing within a raised geometric border, punched ring-and-dot eye and detailing; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 6.19 grams, 28 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.
