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_900x900.jpg "Viking Age Bronze Fire Steel with Figure and Animals")
_200x200.jpg "Viking Age Bronze Fire Steel with Figure and Animals")
.jpg "Viking Age Bronze Fire Steel with Figure and Animals")
LOT 1722
Viking Age Bronze Fire Steel with Figure and Animals
8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (58 grams, 60 mm).
With openwork bifacial handle depicting central standing figure with arms outstretched towards the necks of two flanking rampant beasts; iron blade beneath; Finno-Ugric type.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureSee Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.144, item 1, for type.
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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Viking Age Silver Cross Pendant
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Pre-Viking Period Bronze Ring with Wolf Heads
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Penannular hoop expanding at the shoulders; the shoulders with fur detailing, and each of the finials formed as a wolf's head with large annular eyes and pointed ears. 10.25 grams, 27.53 mm overall, 21.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Found near Thetford, Norfolk, UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Some rings from the Vendel period were adorned with images of monstrous animals, derived from Norse mythology. The stylisation of these animal heads recalled the wolf Fenrir, or the World Serpent, Jörmungandr.
