Scandinavian Viking Bronze Box Brooch

Formed with a ropework band to the edge of each cheek and the socket, doubling as the suspension loop. 5.2 grams, 33 mm wide



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Formed as an openwork outer shell, inner container and bottom plate; the upper face with central conical boss and four small satellite bosses each with a silver surface disc; to the outer face four pierced tongue-shaped panels with D-shaped finials proud of the upper face, each with a silvered element to the upper end; the bottom plate with integral catchplate and central void, four attachment pins to the underside; the upper face and sidewall executed in Urnes style zoomorphic openwork; the inner element a plain sheet-bronze container. 95 grams, 55 mm



Acquired in the 1950s. Ex private collection, South West England.

On the Baltic island of Gotland, high-ranking females wore 'box' (or 'drum') brooches to secure their outer garments at the shoulders. The inner container may have been used to hold small valuables.

Substantial flat mount with loop above, mask formed with lentoid eyes and broad moustache, narrow chin; ledge to rear pierced to accept rivets. 36.1 grams, 38 mm



Found Norfolk, UK.

The face bears a strong likeness to that of the Rällinge statuette discovered in Sweden in the early 20th century and believed to represent the god Yngve-Freyr.