Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape

With a reversed C-shaped body tapering towards the terminals, geometric ornament in relief including lozenges and pecking; terminals absent. 66 grams, 38 mm



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

Similar bracelets were found usually in female graves in the Hemlanden cemetery in Birka. Sometimes they were found in pairs, sometimes worn only on the right arm. Their main characteristic was the geometric decoration engraved on the surface.

In the form of an equine creature modelled in the round with long beak and arched neck; panels of gilded Style I ornament to each lateral face, stepped band with punched detailing extending from the ears to the chest; rounded rump with pointillé detailing; hollow mounting socket to the underside. 13.6 grams, 42 mm



Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11895-204402.

The socket on the underside suggests that the mount was placed prominently, perhaps on the crest of a helmet. Zoomorphic helmet mounts are known e.g. the boars on the Benty Grange and Wollaston examples, though these are not so detailed as the present example. The item is too small to be seen from afar but is ornate enough to attract attention at close quarters. Stylistically, the piece might have been made in southern Scandinavia or in an Anglian area of England in the later 5th or 6th century A.D.

The majority of an early Saxon wrist clasp with style 1 ornament, later pierced for suspension as a pendant. 3.75 grams, 26 mm



Acquired in the 1980s. Ex property of a Worcestershire gentleman. Acquired on the UK art market in 2014. Property of a Kent lady collector.