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LOT 0385
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Brooch with Interlaced Birds
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (23.7 grams, 44 mm).
Slightly domed profile with boss to the centre, parcel-gilt rim and spandrels, niello-inlaid motif of four bird-heads on curved necks; pin-lugs, hinged pin, catch and loop to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
Cf. Kershaw, J.F., Viking Identities. Scandinavian Jewellery in England, Oxford, 2013, pl.3, for type.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Viking Age Silver Shield-Maiden Pendant
Circa 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
A female in floor-length robe holding a shield in her right hand and drawn knife in her left, stylised headdress and long plaited band of hair to the rear; pierced lug to the reverse. 8.08 grams, 40.68 mm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. Ex property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.
This pendant resembles a find from Galgebakke, Denmark, a silver figure holding a short sword and clutching a shield by the boss (Vang Petersen, item 4). The Galgebakke figure is identified as female on the basis of the elaborate crested hairstyle, and an ankle-length dress with tiny feet beneath. The interpretation usually offered for this figure is that of a skjoldmø or 'shield-maiden', a female who takes up arms in pursuit of vengeance such as the legendary Hervor in Hervarar saga ok Heiðreks. Scholars used to interpret these armed females as valkyries - hand maidens of the god Oðinn - but the idea has been challenged recently (Gardeła, 2013). -
Viking Inspired Bronze Omega Penannular Brooch
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
A flat-section Mordvinian type brooch comprising a penannular band and two trapezoidal plates; the tongue round-section with flat scroll around the band; the plates each with raised pellets. 12.5 grams, 63 mm
Private European collection formed before 2000. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £359
With triangular section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, flared wings to the scooped socket. 275 grams, 11.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
