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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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Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Great Square-Headed Brooch
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Of Hines's Group XX with square headplate bearing concentric bands of billets, undulating lines and punched points, with vesica motifs to the upper corners; thick shallow bow with central rib, isosceles triangle footplate with horse-head lappets and flanking lobes with concentric rings, ropework bands and central vesica, disc finial with ropework border; pin-lugs to the reverse and broad catch. 136 grams, 13.5 cm
Found near Grimsby, Humberside, UK, circa 2010.
The brooch shows a restrained use of low-relief detailing confined to largely geometric features other than the horse-heads at the shoulders and the single facing mask on the headplate above the junction with the bow. The bow itself is very thick and displays a prominent median rib with just a suggestion of outer ribs. The mineral deposits on the reverse bear the imprint of the textile to which the brooch was attached. -
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Mythical Beast Shield Mount
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
With punched outline to the body and legs, gilded head with open jaws and raised cell eye; attachment studs to the reverse. 10.2 grams, 60 mm
Found near Grimsby, UK, circa 2015.
A number of similar mounts, probably from shields or possibly saddles, have been found in England, notably the beast from grave 26 at Bergh Apton (Norfolk) where the animal depicted may be a bear. -
Saxon Bronze Brooch Group
7th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising an equal-arm brooch with punched ring-and-dot motifs to both terminals; remains of a cruciform brooch with three knops and incised linear ornament; a zoomorphic brooch or mount in the form of a bird, some remains of gilding. 19 grams total, 29-36 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.
