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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 Silver-Gilt Mount with Figure
Circa 10th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Sub-rectangular with lip to the reverse; high-relief facing figure with band of straight hair, omega-shaped brow and pellet eyes, stubby body and arms, splayed legs above two omega-shaped elements forming a rosette; mounting plate absent. 15.2 grams, 32 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
The identity of the facing figure is unknown. There is an earlier, probably 9th century, Anglo-Saxon strap end with a facing nude male in low-relief which might be comparable (Thomas, 2007, item 8). -
Viking Age Bronze Bird Brooch
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled standing left with stylised detailing; likely a cockerel; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 6.4 grams, 26 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Similar brooches are known from Denmark and some examples show us a very similar form and decoration. So far England is the only area outside Scandinavia where bird brooches similar to those discovered in Denmark have been found. The archaeological finds indicate close contacts between England and Denmark in the first half of the 11th century. Anne Pedersen suggests that Byzantium art may be a source of inspiration for these specific type of brooches as is evident from the Danish coinage of the 11th century that direct or indirect influence from Constantinople played an important role, especially in connection with the presence of Danish mercenaries in the Varangian Guard of the Roman emperor. -
Large Viking Age Silver-Gilt Pendant with Entwined Beasts
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Cast with suspension loop, two beasts interlaced crossing in centre with heads with open mouths at 11 and 1 o'clock, with remains of gilding. 19.83 grams, 49 mm high
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
