Viking Age Bronze Zoomorphic Mount

Modelled in the half-round, mount with lugs to the reverse, ropework border; Polomskoy Culture. 11.4 grams, 40 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Formed as an openwork outer shell, inner container and bottom plate; the upper face with central conical boss and four small satellite bosses each with a silver surface disc; to the outer face four pierced tongue-shaped panels with D-shaped finials proud of the upper face, each with a silvered element to the upper end; the bottom plate with integral catchplate and central void, four attachment pins to the underside; the upper face and sidewall executed in Urnes style zoomorphic openwork; the inner element a plain sheet-bronze container. 95 grams, 55 mm



Acquired in the 1950s. Ex private collection, South West England.

On the Baltic island of Gotland, high-ranking females wore 'box' (or 'drum') brooches to secure their outer garments at the shoulders. The inner container may have been used to hold small valuables.

Omega-shaped in plan with raised flange rim to both edges; bands of punched ornament to each face. 216 grams, 11.2 cm



Acquired on the UK art market, 1995-2000s. Private collection, London, UK.