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LOT 0332
Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 - 3 in. (118 grams total, 46-75 mm).
Comprising: a small and narrow type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 2, Untergruppe d) with an openwork panel to each face filled by a cross-shaped motif with curved cross-bar, and a dentilled upper edge to the mouth; a 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 (apex and lower end of the chape damaged); two of the same type (Gruppe I 1) with a pair of scrolls in the central void and a 'knot' to the apex', one with ropework detailing and a wolf's head; a broad D-shaped plaque with a plain reverse plate riveted in place, guilloche band to the outer edge and interlaced vines to the centre. [5]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureSee Paulsen, P., Schwertortbänder der Wikingerzeit, Stuttgart, 1953 items 6, 9, 31, 207.
FootnotesThe chape with the dentilled upper edge bears a cross motif on which only the curvature of the cross-piece indicates its origin in the raven/eagle figure found more commonly on this type; as its ornament has developed a long way from its original form, it should be dated to the 11 or 12th century. The D-shaped plaque with the plain reverse is not in Paulsen's typology but appears to be derived from the smaller types in his Gruppe VII.
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Viking Stamped Silver Spoon with Loop
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Comprising a broad shallow bowl and a flat triangular handle with stamped triangle ornament; suspension loop with coiled ends. 11.3 grams, 90 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Comprising: a small and narrow type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 2, Untergruppe d) with an openwork panel to each face filled by a cross-shaped motif with curved cross-bar, and a dentilled upper edge to the mouth; a 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 (apex and lower end of the chape damaged); two of the same type (Gruppe I 1) with a pair of scrolls in the central void and a 'knot' to the apex', one with ropework detailing and a wolf's head; a broad D-shaped plaque with a plain reverse plate riveted in place, guilloche band to the outer edge and interlaced vines to the centre. 118 grams total, 46-75 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The chape with the dentilled upper edge bears a cross motif on which only the curvature of the cross-piece indicates its origin in the raven/eagle figure found more commonly on this type; as its ornament has developed a long way from its original form, it should be dated to the 11 or 12th century. The D-shaped plaque with the plain reverse is not in Paulsen's typology but appears to be derived from the smaller types in his Gruppe VII. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Five-Lobed Pommel
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Of Petersen's Type S (Wheeler Type III) with five graduated lobes; hollow, the lower face a swept arc; pierced through the tallest lobe to accept the tang of the sword's blade. 48.7 grams, 50 mm
Found Norfolk, UK.