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LOT 1235
Viking Age Cowrie Shell Pendant Collection
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 1 in. (46 grams total, 15-24 mm).
Comprising over thirty natural shell pendants. [39, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
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 Bronze Bird Brooch
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled standing left with stylised detailing; likely a cockerel; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 6.4 grams, 26 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Similar brooches are known from Denmark and some examples show us a very similar form and decoration. So far England is the only area outside Scandinavia where bird brooches similar to those discovered in Denmark have been found. The archaeological finds indicate close contacts between England and Denmark in the first half of the 11th century. Anne Pedersen suggests that Byzantium art may be a source of inspiration for these specific type of brooches as is evident from the Danish coinage of the 11th century that direct or indirect influence from Constantinople played an important role, especially in connection with the presence of Danish mercenaries in the Varangian Guard of the Roman emperor. -
Viking Age Silver Boat-Shaped Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Composed of a shallow crescentic body and openwork filigree loop. 1.47 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Baltic Viking Bronze Strap End
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Tongue-shaped plaque with fixing lug to the reverse and four rivet-holes; Byzantine-inspired design of fleshy vegetation within segmented border. 18.8 grams, 51 mm
UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery.