Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1539
Viking Age Bronze Comb
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
-
Large Viking Age Bronze Decorated Penannular Brooch
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising facetted terminals and free-running tongue, decorated with three zones of geometric motifs, incised bands to the pin head. 160 grams, 10.2 cm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Tortoise Brooch Necklace Set with Pendants
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising: two oval brooches, each domed with raised ornament, wide flange, ferrous remains of the pin to the reverse; suspended from the lower edge of each brooch a triangular openwork spacer plate with three tiers of red and green glass tubular beads, the lower tier with a discoid pendant plaque with bands of raised pellets; three double-link chains running between the plates; three more chains from each plate with an amuletic or decorative pendant comprising a bronze model knife in its sheath, a silver(?) Dirhem coin, an iron model dog with punched decoration, a latch-lifter key, a pair of bronze crotal bells, a stone disc or spindle whorl; displayed on a large high-quality custom-made display stand by Colin Bowles Limited. 7.7 kg total, 56 x 54 cm including display frame
Fine condition, cleaned and conserved.
Family collection formed after World War II; thence by descent. Ex London collection since 2016.
Women's display jewellery in the Viking age comprised both utilitarian and symbolic items. The brooches were worn high on the chest, supporting an apron-type overdress (hangerok) with the beads and chains strung between them and various small items attached. The pendants probably symbolised the authority of the female in the domestic sphere (key, coin, spindle whorl), and in husbandry (model animal, crotal bells, model knife). -
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch
Circa 10th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Displaying high-relief palmette ornament, omega-shaped panels and other ornament; catch and two transverse bars to the reverse. 67.4 grams, 81 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
