Viking Age Decorated Silver Bracelet

Comprising: a small and narrow type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 2, Untergruppe d) with an openwork panel to each face filled by a cross-shaped motif with curved cross-bar, and a dentilled upper edge to the mouth; a tongue-shaped type (Paulsen's Gruppe I 1) with an openwork centre and Ringerike style bird formed with looped bands, pellets to the pinions, a triangular in plan head joined to the inner faces of the ropework border forming the upper edge of the chape, with a wolf's head at the apex and stepped knop finial (apex and lower end of the chape damaged); two of the same type (Gruppe I 1) with a pair of scrolls in the central void and a 'knot' to the apex', one with ropework detailing and a wolf's head; a broad D-shaped plaque with a plain reverse plate riveted in place, guilloche band to the outer edge and interlaced vines to the centre. 118 grams total, 46-75 mm



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

The chape with the dentilled upper edge bears a cross motif on which only the curvature of the cross-piece indicates its origin in the raven/eagle figure found more commonly on this type; as its ornament has developed a long way from its original form, it should be dated to the 11 or 12th century. The D-shaped plaque with the plain reverse is not in Paulsen's typology but appears to be derived from the smaller types in his Gruppe VII.

Discoid plate with integral suspension loop secured at the reverse, symmetrical design of applied silver granules and silver wire with granulated boss to the centre and radiating arms; braided wire rim. 7.17 grams, 46 mm



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

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.