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LOT 0363
Scandinavian Viking Silver-Gilt Trefoil Brooch with Beasts
9TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (21.85 grams, 57 mm).
Hollow-formed Y-shaped body with applied filigree and granulation forming three radiating beast-heads, central granule in beaded-wire collar; each end with two holes each with a beaded collar, to accept the strings; straps to the reverse with bow, with beaded-wire links, and central dished circle. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12734-235601.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1810,1110.3, for a broadly similar example; Beck, H. et al., Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, p.194-5, for discussion of the type; Ewing, T., Viking Clothing, Stroud, 2007, plate 38; Wilson, D.M. and Klindt-Jensen, O., Viking Art, London, 1968, pl.XXXII; Smith, R.A. British Museum Guide to Anglo-Saxon Antiquities, reprinted Ipswich, 1993, p.160.
FootnotesThe trefoil type is based on a three-armed strap distributor for a sword-belt used by the Carolingian Franks, copied and re-modelled to Scandinavian taste and finally re-purposed as a female dress-ornament or brooch.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0363
Scandinavian Viking Silver-Gilt Trefoil Brooch with Beasts
Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
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Viking Age Gold Bracteate Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £169
A circular repoussé pendant with four raised domes to the centre arranged in the shape of a cross, stamped pellets to the border. 0.51 grams, 13 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Bronze Handled Firesteel with Conjoined Horse Heads
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
With bronze handle formed as two opposing dragons, each biting its own tail forming the loops; iron striker below. 28.7 grams, 52 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking and Later Fire-Striker Collection
11th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Comprising: two galley-shaped firesteels each with a core formed as looped corrugations in a sturdy frame with one scrolled end and flat underside for the striking face; fragment of a similar item formed as an advancing horse with saddle; mounted on a custom-made stand. 523 grams total, 2.9-13.2 cm
Acquired on the London art market, 1990s. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.