Viking Age Bronze Expandable Ring

The miniature oval-shaped bowl and tapering stem terminating in a trapezoidal panel displaying the god Loki standing facing, hands raised above the head, within a ropework border; two mounting rivets to the reverse. 4.3 grams, 41 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Loki was the Norse god of mischief, trickery and deception.

With four raised arms and central knop to the upper face, all with punched ring-and-dot detailing; the outer sidewall with four panels of knotwork, dividing vertical stems with ring-and-dot motif, each with a D-shaped protrusion; the upper face with dense zoomorphic ornament; pin and separate catchplate to the underside with central hole, five studs retaining it to the upper. 71.6 grams total, 45 mm

Fine condition, pin intact, backplate slightly cracked.

UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11406-192532.

The type is known as a 'drum' brooch or 'box' brooch. They were apparently manufactured on the island of Gotland and all known examples probably have their origin there. Over time, the refinement of the earlier types (such as the present example) is superseded by cruder decoration consisting of dimples or simple dots.

Mordvinian type with scrolled tendrils reserved against a hatched field. 11.08 grams, 56 mm



From the collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.