LOT 0393

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.

UK 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.

The 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 Over time, the refinement of the earlier types (such as the present example) is superseded by cruder decoration consisting of dimples or simple dots.