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LOT 1539
Viking Age Bronze Comb
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (16.5 grams, 44 mm).
Featuring a scalloped handle with openwork scrolling tendrils, complete set of teeth below. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2000.
Ex property of an American collector.
See similar in Arbman, H., Birka I, Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.100, no.2, from grave 1162.
FootnotesNorsemen were particularly fastidious about their appearance. The hair and beard were important to the men, for making a statement and to intimidate their opponents. Early combs were made from antler or bone and carried in a small pouch; high status combs were later made from metal (mainly bronze) and have been found as grave goods.
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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LOT 1539
Viking Age Bronze Comb
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Iron Pin with Bronze Horse Head Finial
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Composed of a tapering pin, beast head neck and polygonal head engraved with a boat occupied by a central figure and two horse's heads facing outwards; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 70 grams total, 13 cm high including stand
Ex private UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher.
A similar design can be seen on the Tjonehoj brooch, Denmark. -
Viking Age Silver Lunate Pendant
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Comprising a ribbed suspension loop, surface divided into panels of granule clusters. 3.62 grams, 29 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection. -
Viking Silver Urnes Style Rattle Pendant
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Formed from a hollow vesica-shaped silver mount which rattles when shaken, probably a horse-harness fitting; with Urnes style interlaced dragons in low relief surrounding a facing bearded mask with large staring eyes (Thor?). 67 grams, 73 mm
Formerly acquired on the German art market in the early 1980s. Previously in a European collection in the 1990s. From an important central London collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200377.
The last phase of Viking art is the Urnes style from about 1050-1150. The Urnes style has gracefully curved lines of different width - swelling, tapering - but always in a curve. The tendril clusters from the Ringerike style are abandoned. The Urnes style developed shortly before the middle of the 11th century.
