Viking Age Bronze Bar Bracelet

Miniature drum-shaped vessel covered in filigree bobbles with strap handle. 0.78 grams, 13.52 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.

Flat-section rectangular disc with a large loop. 0.57 grams, 17 mm



From an ancient art collection, formerly acquired in the UK, European, and USA art markets, from pre-2000 collections. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.

Spiral-coiled wrist-clasps of Hines's Class A with one broad rounded loop to the centre and one returned hooked loop. 11.5 grams total, 36-38 mm



Ex property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s.

The spiral-coil type of wrist clasp is the earliest form of an artefact type which became a very popular costume element in especially Norway and the English East Midlands in the early Anglo-Saxon Period. Grave-finds indicate that they were used to secure the cuffs of robes worn by high-status women.