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LOT 1214
Viking Age Bronze Decorated Bracelet
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (28 grams, 48mm).
With penannular hoop, snaking vertical grooves and large dimples, terminals formed as snake's head swallowing its tail. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.109 (9).
FootnotesA similar bracelet, with deep wavy furrows and stamped rows of circles, was found on the remains of the right forearm bones of a female, in grave 1081 of Hemlanden Birka cemetery. These bracelets, as visible in this grave, were usually worn in pairs on both arms, or - like in the case of the Birka grave - paired with another kind of bracelet.
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Viking Age Bronze and Crystal Pendant with Beast's Head
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
With fusiform hexagonal-section crystal bead modified for use as a pendant with the addition of a bronze collar bearing stamped 'bowtie' motifs attached to two lateral straps converging at the end to form a knotted and looped bail; finial formed as a beast-head with raised snout and piriform eyes, shallow flange ears, slanted muzzle; thick bronze wire suspension loop with ends twisted around the shank. 42.01 grams, 83 mm high
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Pendant with Face
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Displaying scroll decoration to the centre, a bearded male face to the rim, later silver attachment loop; remains of gilding to the centre. 3.2 grams, 21 mm
From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. -
Viking Age Bronze Bird Brooch
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled standing left with stylised detailing; likely a cockerel; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 6.4 grams, 26 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Similar 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.
