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LOT 1473
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch with Jellinge Style Ornament
10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (74 grams, 93 mm).
Comprising a domed, elliptical body and narrow flange border; the decorative scheme comprising four lobed faces with annular eyes amid Jellinge Style tendril ornamentation and a barred field; an asymmetrical piercing to the flange for a swag of beads to be attached to the rim; catch to the reverse together with a sturdy T-shaped fitting for the pin attached to the inside of the dome. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx property of a Dutch collector before 2014.
From the collection of a North American gentleman.
Cf. Nerman, B., Die Vendelzeit Gotlands, Stockholm, 1969, pl.VII:5, item 271.
FootnotesTortoise brooches were associated strongly with wealthy females in Scandinavian communities from Ireland to Russia. Regional taste affected the decoration and the height of the dome; the present example has a carinated profile.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1473
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch with Jellinge Style Ornament
Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
-
Viking Bronze Bird Brooch
10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Modelled in profile with detailed high-relief plumage. 7.12 grams, 30 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Zoomorphic brooches were a long lived tradition in Germanic communities, including amongst Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavians. Most types appear to have fallen out of use in the 11th century, except the ones linked with Christian symbology. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Entwined Beasts Mount
10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Composed of a convex elliptical body with hole to the centre, chamfered sides; central panel of Borre Style zoomorphic decoration; three attachment pegs to the underside. 11.9 grams, 46 mm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex property of a German collector. -
Viking Age Bronze Geometric Bracelet
8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Featuring shallow engraved motifs and raised pellets and faux ropework, the penannular body tapering towards the terminals. 153 grams, 73 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
In the Malmsmyr hoard five moulded silver armlets were found with similar decoration: deep furrows in zig-zag pattern, perforated dots and a striped central trim. The inner sides are smooth, but four of the armlets have a stamp decoration of dots in a cross shape; on two armlets this is in combination with diamond shapes.
