Loading, please wait...
LOT 0333
Very Large Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Horse Harness Link
11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (81 grams, 10.8 cm).
Lozengiform in plan with pierced bulb to opposed angles, one with ring in situ; obverse with reserved rim, beast in profile with bent forelegs and gaping jaws, tail curled above the back, attacking a serpentine creature with segmented body and three-toed claws.
ProvenanceFound Lincolshire, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12988-242245.
Cf. Pedersen, A., 'Riding Gear from Late Viking Age Denmark,' in Journal of Danish Archaeology, vol.13 (1996-7), fig.2, for a similar plaque with pierced lobes at upper and lower angles.
FootnotesOpenwork rhombic mounts were found in various Scandinavian places. One was found, for example, in a sunken hut at Sebbersund in Northern Jutland, and dated to the passage of 10th-11th century A.D. An openwork mount depicting a four-legged animal from Lund was excavated from a pit in a cultural deposit with dendro-chronological dates between 1060-1070.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0333
Very Large Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Horse Harness Link
Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
-
Viking Silver Ring with Snakes
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
With large square plaque, low-relief design of serpents entwined on a pounced field. 2.75 grams, 20.01 mm overall, 17.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Comprising: a small and narrow type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 2, Untergruppe d) with an openwork panel to each face filled by a cross-shaped motif with curved cross-bar, and a dentilled upper edge to the mouth; a tongue-shaped type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 1) with an openwork centre and Ringerike style bird formed with looped bands, pellets to the pinions, a triangular in plan head joined to the inner faces of the ropework border forming the upper edge of the chape, with a wolf's head at the apex and stepped knop finial (apex and lower end of the chape damaged); two of the same type (Gruppe I 1) with a pair of scrolls in the central void and a 'knot' to the apex', one with ropework detailing and a wolf's head; a broad D-shaped plaque with a plain reverse plate riveted in place, guilloche band to the outer edge and interlaced vines to the centre. 118 grams total, 46-75 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The chape with the dentilled upper edge bears a cross motif on which only the curvature of the cross-piece indicates its origin in the raven/eagle figure found more commonly on this type; as its ornament has developed a long way from its original form, it should be dated to the 11 or 12th century. The D-shaped plaque with the plain reverse is not in Paulsen's typology but appears to be derived from the smaller types in his Gruppe VII. -
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Broad Axehead Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Formed with a ropework band to the edge of each cheek and the socket, doubling as the suspension loop. 5.2 grams, 33 mm wide
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.