Viking Age Bronze Ring Brooch with Zoomorphic Terminals

Flat-section rectangular disc with a large loop. 0.57 grams, 17 mm



From an ancient art collection, formerly acquired in the UK, European, and USA art markets, from pre-2000 collections. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.

Comprising: a restrung headdress formed as ten square panels, each with vertical bands of pellets framing four columns of ring-and-dot ornament, with interstitial groups of three tubular spacer beads with corrugated profile; two dress-pins each with a lobed cruciform head and appliqué panel, pierced lug at the top of the shank to mount a transverse cocked-hat panel with three pendant chains of double links, faced with an appliqué tinned sheet with stamped motifs of hatched triangles, ring-and-dot and billets to the border; bow-brooch with transverse spring and header with knop finials ornamented with beaded collars, stepped bow with coiled wire collar and semicircular bar with notched upper face, trapezoidal footplate with catch and pin to reverse; each mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.3 kg total, crown: 36 cm high including stand, brooches: 15-22.5 cm high including stand



Acquired on the UK art market, 1995-2000s. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13242-252258.

Flat in section with spread wings and talons to the lower body, feather detailing to tail and wings; male mask above, flanked by profile bird-heads at the pinions; loop to reverse; Samoyed type. 18.58 grams, 66.13 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13290-253202.

The pendant likely represents the soul of the shaman in bird form on a spirit journey.