Loading, please wait...
Details
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]
Provenance
Private 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.
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; cf. Korshun, V.E.. Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rusi X-XIV Vekov, volume III, Moscow, 2013, item L.1.01.
Footnotes
Pairs 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.
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.
LOT 0357
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Filigree Pendant with Conjoined Ravens
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,460
RELATED LOTS
-
Viking Age Decorated Silver Penannular Brooch
12th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Displaying facetted terminals displaying punched circlets, pelletted triangles and faux ropework to the body and faux ropework to the articulate pin head. 21.9 grams, 39 mm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Penannular brooches with facetted terminals were part of the famous Kostivere hoard, found in Estonia, deposited in around 1220-1230 during the wars of Estonians against the Germans and Danes. The annular brooches with animal ornament in Urnes style were considered by the archaeologists definitely Scandinavian, more specifically from Gotland. -
Viking Stamped Silver Mount
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
With central repoussé dome, star motif around with punched annulet trails to the arms. 2.28 grams, 30 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount with Bear's Mask
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Of Williams's Class B Type 4, comprising a facing bear's head mask with piriform eyes and openwork ears, ribbed forelock, lateral loops above vertical bars connected to the lower rectangular panel with angled ledge below; restored. 30 grams, 40 mm
Found UK. From an old North Country collection; formed between 1970-2000.
