Viking Age Bronze Ring with Warriors with Shields and Spears

Displaying a quatrefoil motif embellished with pellets; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 29.6 grams, 52 mm



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

Each composed of a decoratively twisted upper hoop, bulbous collars and a large central bulb with projecting cones and granules. 30 grams total, 55-57 mm



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

This style of earring was typical among Slavic women in the 8th-12th centuries, an imitation of Eastern Roman models. Examples have been found in Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and with similar decoration in Belarus. Such rings were also worn as part of head-dresses, in which context they are known as ‘temple rings’ because they were worn by women near the temples. They were usually made of base metals, but some silver and gold examples also survive. Different tribes had their own designs, which were often threaded onto a cord, forming part of a head-dress, or woven directly into braids of hair.

Composed of a decoratively twisted tapering annular ring and a free-running tongue of tapering round-section form. 7.34 grams, 33 mm



Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202988.