Viking Age Silver Openwork Strap End

With lozengiform plaque, stud to each angle, hatched border and reserved scroll. 2.31 grams, 21.87 mm overall, 19.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.

With pentagonal body bearing zoomorphic designs, pierced close to the apex for attachment to a stirrup-strap, with two holes close to the lower edge and ledge to the reverse; Williams's Class A Type 16. 22.39 grams, 47 mm



Found Hampshire, UK.

This mount is not typical of the Class but the trilobe 'topknot' at the apex is clearly based on the design of Type 16 with a facing animal-head.

With four raised arms and central knop to the upper face, all with punched ring-and-dot detailing; the outer sidewall with four panels of knotwork, dividing vertical stems with ring-and-dot motif, each with a D-shaped protrusion; the upper face with dense zoomorphic ornament; pin and separate catchplate to the underside with central hole, five studs retaining it to the upper. 71.6 grams total, 45 mm

Fine condition, pin intact, backplate slightly cracked.

UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11406-192532.

The type is known as a 'drum' brooch or 'box' brooch. They were apparently manufactured on the island of Gotland and all known examples probably have their origin there. Over time, the refinement of the earlier types (such as the present example) is superseded by cruder decoration consisting of dimples or simple dots.