Viking Age Silver-Gilt Mount with Figure

Featuring domed terminals with apex granules and dense interlace and pellet decoration in relief, punched decoration to the free-running pin head. 14.4 grams, 46 mm



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.

In the form of an equine creature modelled in the round with long beak and arched neck; panels of gilded Style I ornament to each lateral face, stepped band with punched detailing extending from the ears to the chest; rounded rump with pointillé detailing; hollow mounting socket to the underside. 13.6 grams, 42 mm



Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11895-204402.

The socket on the underside suggests that the mount was placed prominently, perhaps on the crest of a helmet. Zoomorphic helmet mounts are known e.g. the boars on the Benty Grange and Wollaston examples, though these are not so detailed as the present example. The item is too small to be seen from afar but is ornate enough to attract attention at close quarters. Stylistically, the piece might have been made in southern Scandinavia or in an Anglian area of England in the later 5th or 6th century A.D.

Comprising over thirty natural shell pendants. 46 grams total, 15-24 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.