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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]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. 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.
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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Viking Age Silver-Gilt Mount with Figure
Circa 10th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Sub-rectangular with lip to the reverse; high-relief facing figure with band of straight hair, omega-shaped brow and pellet eyes, stubby body and arms, splayed legs above two omega-shaped elements forming a rosette; mounting plate absent. 15.2 grams, 32 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
The identity of the facing figure is unknown. There is an earlier, probably 9th century, Anglo-Saxon strap end with a facing nude male in low-relief which might be comparable (Thomas, 2007, item 8). -
Viking Age Bronze Comb Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With segmented teeth to the edges of the lentoid plaque; ring-and-dot detailing, suspension loop. 23.2 grams, 53 mm
Acquired early 2000s. Property of a Stowmarket, UK, gentleman. -
Viking Rus Gilt Brooch with Floral Motif
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Square in plan with a convex underside and domed upper face, decorated with symmetrical scrolling vegetation in raised relief; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 19.08 grams, 33 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
These kind of appliques were used for belts, harnesses, quivers, saddles and various other Rus and Steppe warrior fittings.
