Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0356

Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch

9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

3 5/8 in. (71 grams, 93 mm).

Composed of an elliptical domed body decorated with a transverse band of ribbed decoration featuring four facing masks with pellet eyes; the outer fields with zoomorphic tendril designs edged by a ropework border; geometric motif to the flange; transverse bar and remains of some fitting elements to reverse. [No Reserve]

Provenance

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

Literature

Cf. MacGregor, A. et al., A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, item 4, for oval brooches; cf. Ewing, T., Viking Clothing, Strood, 2007, fig.36; cf. Franceschi, G., Asger, J. & Magnus, B., Mennesker, Guder og Masker i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, Bind 1, Silkeborg, 2005, figs.130-1.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

LOT 0356

Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch

Sold for (Inc. bp): £390

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Viking Age Silver Trade Bar Ingot
    Viking Age Silver Trade Bar Ingot
    Circa 9th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £85

    Shaped as a rectangular bar with rounded ends, hammered flat creating a ribbed pattern. 1.58 grams, 27 mm



    Acquired late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex private collection, Nottinghamshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market in 2012. Property of a Kent lady collector.

    Lot Details

  • Viking Age Bronze Openwork Pendant
    Viking Age Bronze Openwork Pendant
    9th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £46

    Featuring a central trefoil knot and radiating bars forming an interlaced panel; suspension loop above; chipped. 7.335 grams, 38 mm



    Ex property of a European gentleman living in Northamptonshire, before 2014. From the collection of a North American gentleman.

    Lot Details

  • Merovingian Gold Cloisonne Pendant
    Merovingian Gold Cloisonne Pendant
    Late 7th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

    In the shape of a beetle(?) with a flat surface on one side, and divided on the other side by five spaces intended for cloisonne insertions; small loop for suspension in the upper part. 0.68 grams, 15 mm



    From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

    The cloisonne decoration, probably of Constantinopolitan origin, became an object of local production in the Merovingian kingdom since the 6th century A.D. Decorative objects of this type are common in female and male tombs, intended for the ornamentation of belts and household objects, arms and clothing.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list