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LOT 1224
Viking Age Bronze Bird Brooch
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.4 grams, 26 mm).
Modelled standing left with stylised detailing; likely a cockerel; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Pedersen, A., ‘ Birds of Prey or Doves. Early Medieval bird-shaped brooches’ in Aarboger for Nordisk Oldkyndighed og Historie 1999 (2001), 2001, pp.19-66, fig.22, for similar brooch.
FootnotesSimilar brooches are known from Denmark and some examples show us a very similar form and decoration. So far England is the only area outside Scandinavia where bird brooches similar to those discovered in Denmark have been found. The archaeological finds indicate close contacts between England and Denmark in the first half of the 11th century. Anne Pedersen suggests that Byzantium art may be a source of inspiration for these specific type of brooches as is evident from the Danish coinage of the 11th century that direct or indirect influence from Constantinople played an important role, especially in connection with the presence of Danish mercenaries in the Varangian Guard of the Roman emperor.
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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Baltic Viking Bronze Strap End
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Tongue-shaped plaque with fixing lug to the reverse and four rivet-holes; Byzantine-inspired design of fleshy vegetation within segmented border. 18.8 grams, 51 mm
UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery. -
Viking Silver Mammen Style Dragon Pendant
10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Of discoid form with central motif of a low-relief regardant beast with piriform shoulder and punced body, looped tendrils enmeshing the body. 9.1 grams, 35 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Twisted Silver Ring
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With a tapering hoop composed of twisted rods hammered at the base. 6.70 grams, 28.12 mm overall, 20.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
Ex North American private collection. Acquired privately on the European art market in the 1990s. Property of a Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman.
