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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.
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From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
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Of discoid form with integral suspension loop, decorated in relief. 3.36 grams, 28 mm
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