Viking Age Cowrie Shell Pendant Collection

With curved ellipsoidal bezel decorated with zigzags, coiled arms tapering to points. 5.46 grams, 25.56 mm overall, 16.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



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

The openwork body roughly triangular in plan with rounded corners, the apex formed as a facing beast head, the frame as the creature's sinuous limbs which form an interlace motif below; suspension loop above. 7.18 grams, 33 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

With four raised arms and central knop to the upper face, all with punched ring-and-dot detailing; the outer sidewall with four panels of knotwork, dividing vertical stems with ring-and-dot motif, each with a D-shaped protrusion; the upper face with dense zoomorphic ornament; pin and separate catchplate to the underside with central hole, five studs retaining it to the upper. 71.6 grams total, 45 mm

Fine condition, pin intact, backplate slightly cracked.

UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11406-192532.

The type is known as a 'drum' brooch or 'box' brooch. They were apparently manufactured on the island of Gotland and all known examples probably have their origin there. Over time, the refinement of the earlier types (such as the present example) is superseded by cruder decoration consisting of dimples or simple dots.