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LOT 1354
Scandinavian Viking Silver Gripping Beast Pendant
LATE 10TH-EARLY 11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (4.7 grams, 32 mm).
Of Riddarholmen type (also widespread in the historical Rus region), with integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rusi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items K.2.01-03.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Silver Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Composed of a penannular body with expanded terminals, possibly later flattened. 39.2 grams, 61 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Tortoise Brooch Necklace Set with Pendants
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising: two oval brooches, each domed with raised ornament, wide flange, ferrous remains of the pin to the reverse; suspended from the lower edge of each brooch a triangular openwork spacer plate with three tiers of red and green glass tubular beads, the lower tier with a discoid pendant plaque with bands of raised pellets; three double-link chains running between the plates; three more chains from each plate with an amuletic or decorative pendant comprising a bronze model knife in its sheath, a silver(?) Dirhem coin, an iron model dog with punched decoration, a latch-lifter key, a pair of bronze crotal bells, a stone disc or spindle whorl; displayed on a large high-quality custom-made display stand by Colin Bowles Limited. 7.7 kg total, 56 x 54 cm including display frame
Fine condition, cleaned and conserved.
Family collection formed after World War II; thence by descent. Ex London collection since 2016.
Women's display jewellery in the Viking age comprised both utilitarian and symbolic items. The brooches were worn high on the chest, supporting an apron-type overdress (hangerok) with the beads and chains strung between them and various small items attached. The pendants probably symbolised the authority of the female in the domestic sphere (key, coin, spindle whorl), and in husbandry (model animal, crotal bells, model knife). -
Viking Inspired Decorated Bronze Omega Brooch Group
Circa 12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Comprising a round-section hoop and two trapezoidal plate finials each with a geometric design of granulation; round-section pin coiled to the hoop. 30.8 grams total, 60-61 mm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
