Loading, please wait...

Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0357

Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection

10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

2 3/8 - 3 in. (158 grams total, 59-75 mm).

Comprising: two examples of a long and narrow tongue-shaped type (Paulsen's Gruppe V 2A, Untergruppe C) with scooped upper edge and palmette motif to the centre, a vertical band of reserved stylised ring-chain decoration on a pounced field, long lateral straps and a knop finial (one with an upper arm absent); a subtriangular type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 2, Untergruppe C) with central openwork panel displaying a bird in flight with the fan-shaped tail marked with radiating lines, trilinear bands to the outer sides, upper edges angled and with a lozengiform 'knot' at the apex; a long and rounded tongue-shaped type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 1) with an openwork centre and Ringerike Style bird formed with looped bands, pellets to the pinions, a triangular in plan head joined to the inner faces of the ropework border forming the upper edge of the chape, with a wolf's head at the apex and stepped knop finial (one face damaged); a single plate from a chape of the same type (Gruppe I 1) with a rounded lower edge and the apex absent. [5]

Provenance

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

Literature

Cf. Paulsen, P., Schwertortbänder der Wikingerzeit, Stuttgart, 1953, items 6, 23, 167, 178.

Footnotes

The slender, tongue-shaped elongated form (Gruppe V2A, Untergruppe C) is regarded by Paulsen (p.118) as Latvian in origin ("Lettland") and 11th century in date. The broader openwork form (Gruppe I 2, Untergruppe C) is associated with the Baltic island of Gotland, which was a major entrepot in the trade network connecting Sweden with the eastern Baltic and the riverine passage south to the Mediterranean; a 10th century date is preferred for this type. The long openwork form (Gruppe I 1) is Scandinavian in origin and appears first in the 10th century; Paulsen's figure 6 from Oland, Sweden, is a close match to the complete example included here.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0357

Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection

Sold for (Inc. bp): £585

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Viking Silver Faux Twisted Ring
    Viking Silver Faux Twisted Ring
    9th-11th century A.D.

    Estimate: £150 - 200 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £75

    Composed of a flat-section hoop base and expanded shoulders and bezel. 3.42 grams, 25.86 mm overall, 21.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)



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

    Lot Details

  • Viking Bronze Bird Brooch with Cross
    Viking Bronze Bird Brooch with Cross
    10th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £261

    The bird in profile with equal-arm cross on its back, linear detail to the wing and tail, lentoid eye, loop below the chest; loop to the reverse. 10.06 grams, 31 mm



    Found near Winteringham, Humberside, UK.

    Lot Details

  • Viking Age Decorated Silver Penannular Brooch
    Viking Age Decorated Silver Penannular Brooch
    12th century A.D.

    Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £250

    Featuring domed terminals with apex granules and dense interlace and pellet decoration in relief, punched decoration to the free-running pin head. 14.4 grams, 46 mm



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

    Penannular brooches with facetted terminals were part of the famous Kostivere hoard, found in Estonia, deposited in around 1220-1230 during the wars of Estonians against the Germans and Danes. The annular brooches with animal ornament in Urnes style were considered by the archaeologists definitely Scandinavian, more specifically from Gotland.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list