Viking Age Silver-Gilt Zoomorphic Strap End

Comprising a tapering C-section body with convex outer and concave inner faces, zones of dense punched pellets, triangles, annulets and lozenges over the body forming a coherent symmetrical scheme. 22.5 grams, 69 mm wide



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

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.

Composed of a tapering, round-section body with flat base and inverted triangular mouth holding a moveable bar, suspended on a ring with twisted wire coils and stamped with small circles repeated on the bar below; the fish body decorated with four panels of low-relief Mammen Style interlacing with remains of gilding; two circular piercings to each side of the body. 23.2 grams, 72 mm high

Fine condition.

Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Ex Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Originally produced as a necklace element, refashioned at an unspecified point in antiquity into a pendant, possibly as early as the 9th-10th century A.D. Pendants of this type were worn strung together in groups, the tapering profile allowing them to sit comfortably as a collar below the neck. They were often worn suspended between two zoomorphic brooches. This example has been taken from a necklace and mounted on a suspension ring for use as an amuletic pendant.