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LOT 1681
Viking Age Bronze Double Bell Pendant Group
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (16 grams total, 39 mm each).
Each comprising a tubular bead with ribbing to the outer face, suspension loops each supporting a bottle-shaped dangle. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. for a bell pendant of Viking Age, Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, grave 735, pl.100, no.3, for the type.
FootnotesThe presence of a similar bell pendant in grave 735 of the Birka Necropolis, where a warrior and his horse were also buried, could lead to the belief that such pendants were part of the horse's harness. This was a very common custom in the Mediterranean world, which could also have been adopted by the Vikings.
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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Pre-Viking Bronze Brooch with Bull-Headed Lunar Pendants and Chain
7th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Comprising: a bow-brooch with chamfered edges to the shank and three transverse ribbed bars, scooped foot, the end of each bar with three holes to accept a length of chain formed of barrel-shaped links; four chains with a balustered stem and crescent pendant, the horns terminating in stylised bull-heads; the central chain terminating in a stylised wheel; longer chain attached to the outer bars; mounted on a custom-made stand. 670 grams total, chain: 23.5 cm
Acquired on the London art market, 1990s. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12737-234051. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Scandinavian Viking Decorated Silver Currency Bar
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
D-section ingot with one flattened end, punched rosettes and multiple test nicks. 117 grams, 12.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Bronze Necklace Bead Group
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising tubular beads with ribbed detailing and waisted tubular beads. 41 grams total, 13-28 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
From the small number of identified child burials dating to the Viking-Age, it appears that small bronze bells, toys and mirrors are often artefacts associated with children. There is also some evidence that large numbers of beads were attached to outfits or worn as ornaments by children in certain areas, like those of Baltic Curonian.
