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LOT 1714
Viking Age Silver Axehead Pendant
CIRCA 8TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (3.75 grams, 44 mm).
Tapering axehead pendant on a ring with coiled ends, triangular punched detailing.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s.
From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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High-Status Scandinavian Viking Silver Snarling Dragon Mount
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
Featuring a chip-carved knotted scheme between scrolling flanks, dragon’s head terminal with upturned nostrils and snarling mouth revealing two rows of vicious teeth; flat back with three studs for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 7 grams, 23 mm (21 grams total, 57mm including stand)
Very fine condition.
Previously in a North European collection. Ex UK collection. Nigel Mills, East London, UK. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.
Animal heads of this size were often used to make mounts or small weights. They often had insertions of precious stones in the eyes and cavities, and were made of gold, silver, lead, and gilded bronze. The Norse mythological bestiary was varied, and dragon heads were common. Perhaps this head represents the world serpent, Jǫrmungandr, son of Loki and destined to die at the hands of Thor in Ragnarok, in turn killing the god with his poisonous exhalations. -
Viking Period Silver Penannular Brooch Pair
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Matched pair, each a twisted hoop with addorsed coil finials, round-section pin. 5.17 grams total, 24-25 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Urnes Pendant
11th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Triangular in profile with openwork Urnes Style interlace, attachment pins to lower corners (one absent). 11.2 grams, 41 mm
Found near York, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.
The design is clearly based on the contemporary stirrup mount style with dense openwork interlace and attachment points; the item lacks the rear ledge and attachment stud of the true mounts.