Viking Age Bronze Twisted Bracelet

Formed as a keeled sub-triangular plaque, convex in profile with bulbs on the flanks extending to a short rounded projection; integral catchplate to reverse and remains of ferrous pin. 15.4 grams, 46 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired early 2000s. East Anglia, UK, collection.

This form of brooch developed from Scandinavian Iron Age forms of bow brooch with crossbar, bow and footplate; it later evolved into the standard form of boar-head brooch.

Depicting Christ bound by his wrists to the cross, wearing trousers; granulation to the body indicates a patterned shirt; beaded border around the perimeter of the cross; this lot bears close parallels with the ‘Birka Crucifix’ held by the Swedish History Museum but is not made from silver. 9.32 grams, 31 mm

Very fine condition, some wear. Rare.

Acquired on the London art market in the 2000s.

The Birka Crucifix pendant, unearthed from Birka grave 660 in Uppland, Sweden, is thought to be the oldest representation of Christ in the Nordic world and bears many similarities to this lot. The Swedish History Museum’s example was excavated from the grave of a wealthy female Christian convert; it is a filigree figure of Christ bound to the cross by his wrists, wearing trousers; this lot is a lower-relief white metal filigree crucifix with integral suspension loop, featuring a representation of head and face executed in the same shape and style as that of the Birka Crucifix figure.

Lead trade weight or gaming piece with inset irregular issue Styca with blundered legends, dating to c.843/4-c.855 A.D. 13.6 grams, 18 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Ripon, North Yorkshire, UK.