Viking Age Bronze Penannular Brooch

With stylised hammer motif and three surrounding brackets to accept straps. 16.4 grams, 43 mm



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

Formed as an openwork outer shell, inner container and bottom plate; the upper face with central conical boss and four small satellite bosses each with a silver surface disc; to the outer face four pierced tongue-shaped panels with D-shaped finials proud of the upper face, each with a silvered element to the upper end; the bottom plate with integral catchplate and central void, four attachment pins to the underside; the upper face and sidewall executed in Urnes style zoomorphic openwork; the inner element a plain sheet-bronze container. 95 grams, 55 mm



Acquired in the 1950s. Ex private collection, South West England.

On the Baltic island of Gotland, high-ranking females wore 'box' (or 'drum') brooches to secure their outer garments at the shoulders. The inner container may have been used to hold small valuables.

With domed eye and tendril surround ending in loops, substantial suspension loop to the reverse. 16.8 grams, 55 mm



Acquired before 1990. Ex property of a professional collector.