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LOT 1714
Viking Age Bronze Ring with Horse
9TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (4.64 grams, 20.76 mm overall, 14.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.3, Japan 4)).
D-section hoop with a lentoid bezel with an incuse image of a stylised horse walking left. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. for the type Johnson, C.E., MA Dissertation: A Typological Assessment of Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-Age Finger-Rings from Britain Dating from AD 600-1100, London, 2014, no.227, from Whitby Abbey.
FootnotesThis category of rings shows a combination of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian animal ornaments. They derived from the Selkirk ring, with a speckled, backwards-biting animal inside an ovoid bezel. This style seems to be typically Nordic, and the size of the ring suggests a child's ring.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Iron Socketted Hook-Billed Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With a long, deeply curved blade, short neck, socket with slightly curved wings above and below, and hammer-face to rear; professionally cleaned, conserved, and restored. 618 grams, 15.2 cm
From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.
These axes are typical of Baltic workmanship. During this age, the axes were the favourite weapons of many Baltic people, including the Curonian army, which included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield, and a wide-bladed axe. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Fastener with Entwined Beasts
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Toggle-type fastener with disc on a narrow neck; the plaque with knotwork panel and serpent-heads; possibly for a purse. 3.42 grams, 37 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Scandinavian Bronze Pendant with Interlace.
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Formed as a knot of three-strand bands, each with billets to the central band; pierced lug suspension. 13.7 grams, 36 mm
Formerly in a Danish collection, pre 1970s. Ex Kent, UK, private collection, 1980s-1990.
