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.

Provenance

Found 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.

Literature

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.

Footnotes

Openwork 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.

CONDITION

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LOT 0333