Viking Age Bronze Axe-Shaped Pendant Pair

In the form of an equine creature modelled in the round with long beak and arched neck; panels of gilded Style I ornament to each lateral face, stepped band with punched detailing extending from the ears to the chest; rounded rump with pointillé detailing; hollow mounting socket to the underside. 13.6 grams, 42 mm



Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11895-204402.

The socket on the underside suggests that the mount was placed prominently, perhaps on the crest of a helmet. Zoomorphic helmet mounts are known e.g. the boars on the Benty Grange and Wollaston examples, though these are not so detailed as the present example. The item is too small to be seen from afar but is ornate enough to attract attention at close quarters. Stylistically, the piece might have been made in southern Scandinavia or in an Anglian area of England in the later 5th or 6th century A.D.

With pentagonal body bearing zoomorphic designs, pierced close to the apex for attachment to a stirrup-strap, with two holes close to the lower edge and ledge to the reverse; Williams's Class A Type 16. 22.39 grams, 47 mm



Found Hampshire, UK.

This mount is not typical of the Class but the trilobe 'topknot' at the apex is clearly based on the design of Type 16 with a facing animal-head.

With integral suspension loop, profile bird-heads. 6.7 grams, 31 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.