Viking Age Bronze Decorated Comb Pendant

Square in plan with a convex underside and domed upper face, decorated with symmetrical scrolling vegetation in raised relief; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 19.08 grams, 33 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.

These kind of appliques were used for belts, harnesses, quivers, saddles and various other Rus and Steppe warrior fittings.

Composed of a tapering, round-section body with flat base and inverted triangular mouth holding a moveable bar, suspended on a ring with twisted wire coils and stamped with small circles repeated on the bar below; the fish body decorated with four panels of low-relief Mammen Style interlacing with remains of gilding; two circular piercings to each side of the body. 23.2 grams, 72 mm high

Fine condition.

Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Ex Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Originally produced as a necklace element, refashioned at an unspecified point in antiquity into a pendant, possibly as early as the 9th-10th century A.D. Pendants of this type were worn strung together in groups, the tapering profile allowing them to sit comfortably as a collar below the neck. They were often worn suspended between two zoomorphic brooches. This example has been taken from a necklace and mounted on a suspension ring for use as an amuletic pendant.

Of slender penannular form and with simple stylised detailing to the animal's manes, ears and faces. 13.9 grams, 71 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.