Viking Age Bronze Lobed Cross Pendant

With lozengiform plaque, stud to each angle, hatched border and reserved scroll. 2.31 grams, 21.87 mm overall, 19.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.

With tear-drop plaque, pierced lug and scoop finial, low-relief geometric ornament. 10.9 grams, 93 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

In the Finno-Ugrian and Eastern Viking societies the status that an individual might achieve through personal qualities, social position and wealth was enhanced by valuable clothing, finely worked jewellery made of precious metal (like chatelaine chains for women) and, for the men, weapons and horse furnishing of exceptional quality. Families and individuals visually expressed the elements of other societies and cultures that they thought were desirable through the deliberate use of foreign objects.

Formed with an openwork design of entwined beasts or an interlace motif in Urnes style; counter-sunk rivet hope to apex; likely a stirrup mount. 18.3 grams, 40 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-0FA732.