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LOT 1394
Viking Age Bronze Buckle Collection
MAINLY 8TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 - 2 1/2 in. (53.6 grams total, 23-64 mm).
Four flat in profile with mask detailing to the tongue-rest; one a substantial D-shaped loop; one similar with keeper to the rear, inlaid silver banding. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.LXXVIII (23, 54), for types.
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 Pendant with Cross and Flower
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
The discoid body displaying a cross to one face and a stylised flowerhead to the other; suspension loop and ring to the top edge. 3.27 grams, 31 mm
Private collection formed 1960s-1980s. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. -
Viking Age Strap Distributor
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Composed of a ring and two free-moving foliate style openwork hubs. 24.2 grams, 74 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Contorted Gripping Beast Pendant
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Scandinavian pendant of Norelund type with integral suspension loop; the openwork plaque with three-band border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping hands to the body and border, facing mask below the loop. 6.22 grams, 34 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection.
There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures, including Sigurð's fight with the dragon Fafnir.
