Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1353
Saxon 'Sutton Hoo' Type Iron Cauldron Chain
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
40 1/2 in. (3.1 kg, 1.03 m).
Or a hanging-bowl chain comprising: nine sets of two parallel-twisted 8-shaped links, with interstitial H-shaped twisted elements, the lower four each with a standing bull figure with prominent horns; a lateral hook with herringbone twisted shank; lower hooked flange with four herringbone-twist bars with looped ends; suspension ring and four-bar herringbone-twisted shank. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Footnotes
The chain and fittings closely resemble those recovered from Mound 1 at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England (British Museum accession ref. 1939,1010.167). It is understood that the chain was used to support a cauldron above the hearth, with additional hooks and suspension brackets for ancillary vessels. The bull-head detailing was present on the wrought-iron stand (ref. 1939,1010.161) from the same grave.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Anglo-Saxon Enamelled Bronze Bird Brooch
5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Featuring champlevé red and green enamelled cells to the body, eye and wing; to the reverse, the pin-lugs, bar and catchplate. 2.6 grams, 29 mm
Found near Droxford, Hampshire, UK. From an old Hampshire collection. Recorded with Winchester Museum.
One of a group of items from Hampshire of early Anglo-Saxon date featuring the decorative technique of champlevé enamelling. This technique is generally rare in early (5th century) contexts and may indicate the continuation of a Roman workshop in the Solent area or in coastal northern Gaul. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Horse Harness Mount
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Formed with a pelta-shaped body, two attachment studs to the reverse, reserved border with raised triangular panel, beaded inner rim enclosing a chip-carved design of Style I Tiermensch motifs. 15.9 grams, 49 mm
Found near Diss, Suffolk, UK. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Bronze Saucer Brooch
Later 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Featuring a dished face displaying a chased cross with Style I Tiermensch motifs in each quarter, all framed by concentric rings, broad eccentric flange rim; central pellet in red enamel; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 40 grams, 49 mm
Cambridgeshire collection, 1990s.
Enamel detailing is exceedingly rare on early Anglo-Saxon metalwork, and is almost confined to items produced in the south Midlands to the west of the Fenland.