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LOT 0259
Viking Age Gold Hammer Amulet
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.57 grams, 20 mm).
A sheet-gold hammer amulet formed by doubling a single gold sheet; bifacial pellet ornament tracing the perimeter of the hammer and a central motif mimicking the broad plan of the weapon; suspension loop formed within the fold at the neck.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
The techniques used to manufacture this pendant (working sheet gold and granulation) had been in the repertoire of the Scandinavian goldsmith since the Iron Age and formed part of the manufacturing process for bracteate pendants and other jewellery items (Reynolds Brown, K. et al., From Attila to Charlemagne. Arts of the Early Medieval Period in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2000, p.15-16, 310-1).
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AUCTIONS:
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Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A penannular bronze brooch with a tapering body and upturned terminals each with a polygonal knop with nine faces, with pricked dot and annulet decoration; the apex of the hoop with a tripartite collar, flanked by symmetrical decorative motifs comprising concentric triangles composed of pricked dots and with annulet fill and annulets to the apexes, framed by lozenges composed of four annulets; free-running pin composed of a tapering tongue with headplate coiled around the brooch, the head decorated with raised bands and chevrons. 19.2 grams, 46 mm
Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK. -
Magyar Gilt Sword Scabbard Mount with Two Ravens
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
A gilt copper-alloy scabbard mount composed of a semi-circular plate and tapering rectangular arm; displaying two stylised ravens in repoussé, their bodies addorsed, heads reversed and wings spread, set against a field of shallow incised foliate tendrils; extensive remains of gilding; perforated for attachment. 9.88 grams, 46 mm
Found UK. Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK. -
Viking Age Silver Axe Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
A silver pendant comprising a free-running sub-triangular axehead pendant with flanges to the socket, one face with border of tremolier ornament; slender ring with terminals coiled around the shank. 1.38 grams, 38 mm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.
