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LOT 1653
Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape Collection
10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 - 2 3/4 in. (178 grams total, 51-70 mm).
Comprising: a long and narrow tongue-shaped type (Paulsen's Gruppe V 2A, Untergruppe C) with scooped upper edge and palmette motif to the centre, spurs to the a vertical band of reserved stylised ring-chain decoration on a pounced field, long lateral straps and a knop finial;
a heater-shaped 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, guilloche bands to the outer sides, upper edges angled and with lobe at the apex; an elongated type (Gruppe V 1) with low-relief pointillé bands to each face and a palmette at the apex of the central spur; a long 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; a single plaque (Gruppe V 1) from a two-part chape, long and rounded with palmate detailing to the upper edge, tendrils and scrolls to the body, pierced in two places to accept rivets. [5]
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureSee Paulsen, P., Schwertortbänder der Wikingerzeit, Stuttgart, 1953, items 23, 135, 137, 178.
FootnotesMost of these chapes originate in Sweden or the western Baltic according to Paulsen's classification.
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AUCTIONS:
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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. -
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Viking Age Gilt Bronze Boar's Head Brooch
10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Retaining an articulate pin to reverse and geometric detailing to each face. 37 grams, 48 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
