Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0315
Viking Age Silver Pendant with Huginn and Muninn
CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (6.01 grams, 30 mm high).
Composed of an openwork discoid body displaying the two mythical ravens Huginn and Muninn positioned back-to-back, heads turned to face each other, simple detailing to their feathers and raised notched border; suspension loop to apex. [No Reserve]
Provenance
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Footnotes
In Norse mythology, these two ravens were sent on daily flights around the world by the god Odin. Believed to have been granted the power of speech by Odin, the birds would perch on the god's shoulders to relay news gathered on their travels.
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Scandinavian Viking Bronze Drum Brooch with Interlaced Panels
8th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
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. -
Viking Bronze Urnes Style Entwined Beast Stirrup Mount
11th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Of Williams's Class A Type 10b, a heater-shaped plaque with pierced lug at the apex, two piercings below, low-relief openwork Urnes style design with standing beast and entwined tendrils, narrow ledge to the reverse. 28.3 grams, 53 mm
Found Berkshire, UK.
The mount has the decorative scheme of Williams's Class A Type 10b but its proportions are closer to his Class A Type 11 with a narrow and elongated upper knop. -
Viking Age Bronze Pendant with Bell Drops
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
The semi-circular head plate with suspension loop and two remaining loops to lower edge, both suspending chains with bell dangles (rattles absent). 21.1 grams, 64 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
