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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 Bronze Wolf-Head Strap Distributor
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £315
Comprising an outer ring with wolf mask in low relief at the centre. 3.4 grams, 26 mm
Ex property of an American collector; acquired 1980-2000. -
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Viking Age Bronze Chained Equal-Arm Brooch Set
Circa 10th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Each link in the chain composed of three separate hoops, the equal-arm brooches with decoration in high-relief and remains of pin-lugs and catchplate to reverse. 252 grams total, 78 cm long
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Cross on Bird Brooch
8th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
The cross forming suspension loops on its back, engraved and punched feather and eye detailing; pin lug and catchplate to reverse; likely Weetch type 30B. 7.02 grams, 34 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The profile of the bird's beak suggests this is an eagle (symbolic of the Resurrection and St John) rather than a dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit), although either are a possibility. There is a group of three pierced holes on the bird's breast which might symbolise the Holy Trinity.
