Loading, please wait...
LOT 0326
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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
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. -
'The Bradbourne Horses' Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Ringerike Stirrup Apex Mount
1000-1100 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Rectangular mount with flange to each side of the reverse at the base, two mounting holes; upper edge formed as two addorsed horse-heads and median pierce lug; shallow incised line following the outer edges of the heads and necks, with suggestion of a bridle; Ringerike style. 47 grams, 53 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Bradbourne, Derbyshire Dales, East Midlands, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.WMID-793298.
The sub-rectangular shape of this strap mount is similar to that of a Williams Class C, Type 2, although it is unusual in having the flanges on the sides as opposed to the base. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) states: 'This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance'. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Cat-Faced Stirrup Apex Mount
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Substantial flat mount with loop above, mask formed with lentoid eyes and broad moustache, narrow chin; ledge to rear pierced to accept rivets. 36.1 grams, 38 mm
Found Norfolk, UK.
The face bears a strong likeness to that of the Rällinge statuette discovered in Sweden in the early 20th century and believed to represent the god Yngve-Freyr.
