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LOT 1222
Viking Age Bronze Knife Handle
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (59.4 grams, 10 cm).
Composed of a tubular bronze handle with engraved interlaced geometric design. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XII, item 11.
FootnotesA similar knife can be seen in a female grave from Tuukkala, Mikkeli, Finland, still with its blade and housed in a magnificent bronze openwork scabbard. Knives were used by men and women in many different ways, including for war.
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 Bronze Openwork Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Featuring a central trefoil knot and radiating bars forming an interlaced panel; suspension loop above; chipped. 7.335 grams, 38 mm
Ex property of a European gentleman living in Northamptonshire, before 2014. From the collection of a North American gentleman. -
Scandinavian Viking Bronze Drum Brooch with Interlaced Panels
8th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £833
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. -
Viking Age Bronze Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With penannular hoop, shallow horizontal channel to the bezel displaying decorative notching above and below. 24.2 grams, 68 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.