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LOT 1504
Saxon Silver-Gilt Pin with Beast Heads
8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (2.91 grams, 76 mm).
With a flat, tongue-shaped head connected to the shaft by a rectangular collar; the shaft with a bulbous 'rib’ approximately 20 mm from the tip; the upper portion of the head with radiate detailing and a Trewhiddle Style zoomorph; recessed panel with knotwork motif below, within an elliptical panel with lateral flanches towards the base. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Lord McAlpine collection.
Ex David Miller collection.
Hammond, B., British Artefacts, volume 2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010.
LiteratureCf. Webster, L & Backhouse, J., The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, p.96-7, fig.69e-f.
FootnotesDress pins of this period are often 'hipped', with a small bulb about two-thirds of the length of the shank in order to secure them in the weave of the fabric. The present piece is very delicate and would have been suitable only for a fine linen or silk garment of the highest quality.
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 1504
Saxon Silver-Gilt Pin with Beast Heads
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
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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. -
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 Bronze Hooked Clothes Tag
8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Broadly rectangular in plan with a stepped lower edge and hook, sub-rectangular void for attachment, decorative punched annulets. 0.78 grams, 23 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-266C62.
