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LOT 0357
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Filigree Pendant with Conjoined Ravens
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (6.26 grams, 42 mm).
The upper face decorated with a two-headed filigree raven, raised ropework border, suspension loop with pyramids of granules continuing onto the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.203746.
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; cf. Korshun, V.E.. Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rusi X-XIV Vekov, volume III, Moscow, 2013, item L.1.01.
FootnotesPairs of ravens were considered auspicious in medieval Scandinavian society. In pre-Christian times, two such birds were the informants of the god Odin, who relayed news of the deeds of men. They were also carrion birds, frequenting battlefields to feast on the bodies of fallen warriors.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0357
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Filigree Pendant with Conjoined Ravens
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,460
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Pre-Viking Iron Slave Chain Shackle
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising thirty-eight 8-shaped iron links, with interstitial H-shaped twisted elements; securing ring at the upper end; iron ring at the lower end with thick linked ring and two substantial shackles, each a pair of parallel bars with a loop at each end; attached to each a flat rectangular-section fetter with substantial retaining rivet. 4.45 kg, 2.57 m long
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The shackles are formed with an elliptical void in order to accommodate a human foot, closed with an iron rivet which could not have been easily removed without heating the metal. -
Pre-Viking Bronze Animal Head Pendant
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Comprising a domed body, modelling a bear's head with ropework to the muzzle, ears pierced; concave reverse. 11.4 grams, 46 mm
From an old German collection, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Gilt Bronze Penannular Brooch Loop
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Featuring tiered collars to shoulders and openwork zoomorphic opposed-heads design; collars to retain the pin; small loop to reverse for attachment of a securing chain. 15.8 grams, 53 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
