Scandinavian Viking Silver-Gilt Oseberg Style Brooch

Miniature drum-shaped vessel covered in filigree bobbles with strap handle. 0.72 grams, 15 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.

Tongue-shaped in plan with knop finial at the apex, four lateral lugs, ledge to bottom edge; pierced below the apex and with two small piercings on the ledge; incised border and trilinear incised saltire motif with niello fill; Williams's Class C. 35.9 grams, 61 mm



Found Norfolk, UK.

An unusual mount in some respects: the body is both long and sturdy, but the ledge is very narrow, and the two mounting holes are close together (which would be a weakness when mounting on a strap); the decoration is remarkably unambitious for so large a piece whose flat panel offers a great deal of scope for ornament.

With round-section shank and two large curved flange finials, each with herringbone detailing. 22.8 grams, 61 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.