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LOT 0353
Scandinavian Viking Bronze Drum Brooch with Interlaced Panels
8TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (71.6 grams total, 45 mm).
With four raised arms and central knop to the upper face, all with punched ring-and-dot detailing; the outer sidewall with four panels of knotwork, dividing vertical stems with ring-and-dot motif, each with a D-shaped protrusion; the upper face with dense zoomorphic ornament; pin and separate catchplate to the underside with central hole, five studs retaining it to the upper.
ProvenanceUK gallery, acquired in the 2000s.
Property of an English gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11406-192532.
Cf. MacGregor, A. et al., A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, item 1.9; and cf. Hammond, A.B., Benet's Artefacts of England & the United Kingdom, Fourth Edition, 2021, p.497, VO7-42257, for a similar item valued at £8,000-£10,000.
FootnotesThe type is known as a 'drum' brooch or 'box' brooch. They were apparently manufactured on the island of Gotland and all known examples probably have their origin there. Over time, the refinement of the earlier types (such as the present example) is superseded by cruder decoration consisting of dimples or simple dots.
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LOT 0353
Scandinavian Viking Bronze Drum Brooch with Interlaced Panels
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Bronze Openwork Beast Mount
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Formed as an advancing beast with looped tail, its prey between forepaw and chin a bird with curved beak forming a cranked pin; annular eye to the beast and ribbed panel to the bird; discoid stud to the reverse. 27 grams, 67 mm
Found Winterton, Humberside, UK, in 1981. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Lobed Belt Mount
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection. -
Viking Age Bronze Comb
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Featuring a scalloped handle with openwork scrolling tendrils, complete set of teeth below. 16.5 grams, 44 mm
Acquired 1980-2000. Ex property of an American collector.
Norsemen were particularly fastidious about their appearance. The hair and beard were important to the men, for making a statement and to intimidate their opponents. Early combs were made from antler or bone and carried in a small pouch; high status combs were later made from metal (mainly bronze) and have been found as grave goods.