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LOT 1476
Viking Age Bronze Animal Head Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (6.7 grams, 31 mm).
With integral suspension loop, profile bird-heads. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.100(18).
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 Bronze Stirrup Terminal Collection
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising one example accompanied by a Portable Antiquities Scheme record for an Anglo-Scandinavian terminal with a trilobate end resembling an animal's foot, William's Class L; accompanied by four additional terminals of different types, some with zoomorphic designs in relief. 103 grams total, 27-53 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-138BD4. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Beast Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
The openwork body roughly triangular in plan with rounded corners, the apex formed as a facing beast head, the frame as the creature's sinuous limbs which form an interlace motif below; suspension loop above. 7.18 grams, 33 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Age Silver Pendant with Huginn and Muninn
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Composed of an openwork discoid body displaying the two mythical ravens Huginn and Muninn positioned back-to-back, heads turned to face each other, simple detailing to their feathers and raised notched border; suspension loop to apex. 6.01 grams, 30 mm high
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
In Norse mythology, these two ravens were sent on daily flights around the world by the god Odin. Believed to have been granted the power of speech by Odin, the birds would perch on the god's shoulders to relay news gathered on their travels.
