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LOT 0296
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch with Ravens
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 in. (62.6 grams, 80 mm).
With domed elliptical body and narrow flange, high-relief palmette ornament and omega-shaped panels and opposed ravens with curved beaks. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Nerman, B., Die Vendelzeit Gotlands, Stockholm, 1969, pl.VII:5, item 271; cf. Hildebrand, H., Kongl. Vitterhets Historie Och Antiqvitets Akademiens Manadsblad, Stockholm, 1876, fig.82; Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Graber, Uppsala, 1940, fig.151.
FootnotesThe silvery appearance of the brooch is probably due to a high proportion of tin in the bronze alloy.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 0296
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch with Ravens
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Bronze Faux Plaited Ring
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
The slender hoop slightly expanded at the bezel, displaying a faux plaited design. 1.63 grams, 22.56 mm overall, 19.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Viking Age Silver Pendant with Huginn and Muninn
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Composed of an openwork discoid body displaying the two mythical ravens Huginn and Muninn positioned back-to-back, heads turned to face each other, simple detailing to their feathers and raised notched border; suspension loop to apex. 6.01 grams, 30 mm high
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
In Norse mythology, these two ravens were sent on daily flights around the world by the god Odin. Believed to have been granted the power of speech by Odin, the birds would perch on the god's shoulders to relay news gathered on their travels. -
Viking Age Bronze Pendant with Cross
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
With reserved cross on a textured field, bifacial design, pierced suspension lug. 2.3 grams, 24 mm
Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.
