Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0330
Viking Age Silver Filigree Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (3.19 grams, 35 mm high).
Of lozengiform shape decorated with a knotwork motif in filigree, suspension loop with filigree ornament, faux ropework border around the whole. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, for discussion and comparable examples; cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, for discussion and comparable examples.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Viking Age Silver Cross Pendant with Head of a Beast
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
In Romanesque style, cruciform with openwork cross at centre, three oval terminals and a fourth modelled as a hound's head, the beast's mouth forming the suspension loop. 7.88 grams, 40 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Anglian private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The original function of this rare and unusual pendant remains elusive. The use of expensive materials and the fine and detailed casting indicate that it would have been a highly prized object. The fusion of Christian and pagan religious motifs is typical of Iceland where the worship of the old gods continued into the 11th century. The Christian cross was used as a symbol of the new faith but the pendant also includes elements of pre-Christian motifs. Comparable objects appeared in an exhibition of English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, held at the Hayward Gallery, London, 5 April - 8 July 1984. The catalogue for this exhibition illustrates numerous small metal and gilded articles with similar grotesque terminals- No. 254 illustrated a late 12th century finial from a shrine, which is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (M.25 1962). -
Viking Decorated Bronze Latch Key
8th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
A bifacial latch-lifter with square openwork head, flat-section shank with a barbed finial, pierced to accept a suspension ring; three piercings to the head, two B-shaped, and a larger T-shape, scrolled centre bar; scrolled lappets above the junction with the shank, and two scaphoid depressions to each face and ring-and-dot decoration throughout. 19 grams, 90 mm
From a private UK collection formed since the 1980s. Ex property of a UK gallery, early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Chest Lock and Keys
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Square escutcheon with raised central panel and keyholes, punched pellet detailing, attachment stud at each corner; two small casket keys. 44.3 grams total, 40-43 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.