Viking Age Gold Scutiform Pendant

Composed of a tapering, round-section body with flat base and inverted triangular mouth holding a moveable bar, suspended on a ring with twisted wire coils and stamped with small circles repeated on the bar below; the fish body decorated with four panels of low-relief Mammen Style interlacing with remains of gilding; two circular piercings to each side of the body. 23.2 grams, 72 mm high

Fine condition.

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

Originally produced as a necklace element, refashioned at an unspecified point in antiquity into a pendant, possibly as early as the 9th-10th century A.D. Pendants of this type were worn strung together in groups, the tapering profile allowing them to sit comfortably as a collar below the neck. They were often worn suspended between two zoomorphic brooches. This example has been taken from a necklace and mounted on a suspension ring for use as an amuletic pendant.

Formed from a hollow vesica-shaped silver mount which rattles when shaken, probably a horse-harness fitting; with Urnes style interlaced dragons in low relief surrounding a facing bearded mask with large staring eyes (Thor?). 67 grams, 73 mm



Formerly acquired on the German art market in the early 1980s. Previously in a European collection in the 1990s. From an important central London collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200377.

The last phase of Viking art is the Urnes style from about 1050-1150. The Urnes style has gracefully curved lines of different width - swelling, tapering - but always in a curve. The tendril clusters from the Ringerike style are abandoned. The Urnes style developed shortly before the middle of the 11th century.

Of penannular form, each with trapezoidal flanges with faux granule decoration. 24 grams total, 53-55 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1990-2000. From an old Suffolk collection.