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LOT 1331
Viking Age Bronze Beast-Head Staff Terminal
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (41.7 grams, 58 mm).
Comprising a hollow socket with iron rod inserted, terminal formed as a beast-head with open jaws, lobed snout, canine teeth prominent, ribbed brow and bulbous eyes, D-shaped ears to the rear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1990s.
Ex property of a German collector.
Cf. Graham-Campbell, J., The Viking World, London, 1980, p.134-5, for similar animal-heads carved on the wagon found in the Oseberg ship-burial at Tønsberg, Vestfold, Norway; the Oseberg burial marks the beginning of Viking Age art. It is dated dendrochronologically to 834 A.D.
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 Age Silver Ring with Stamped Design
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Scaphoid plaque with extension coiled about the shank, punched square. pellet and arch motifs forming an undulating design. 4.40 grams, 23.96 mm overall, 20.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Age Volga Bulgar Bronze Belt Mount
Late 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Of polygonal shape, reserved stylised vegetal forms; attachment rivets to reverse. 8.7 grams, 32 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Pentagonal strap mounts decorated with schematic plant ornaments, cast in bronze, characterised the population of Volga Bulgars, often in commercial relations with the Viking world. A belt-set with pentagonal and rectangular mounts decorated with plant ornaments, along with its strap end and buckle, were excavated by V.D. Sokolov in Slavic-Scandinavian graves in Russian territory. -
Viking Age Stamp-Decorated Bronze Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With a carinated outer face with stamped annulets and faux ropework above and below raised rib to the equator, transverse grooves to the terminals. 79 grams, 75 mm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
