Viking Age Silver Ring with Coiled Bezel

Openwork bronze bifacial handle formed as a central facing male bust flanked by two oppose birds of prey with beaks placed beside his head; pierced lug between; below, row of discs above a transverse bar with long socket to the underside. 27.3 grams, 57 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12435-225923.

The image of Óðinn (Odin) with his ravens Huginn and Muninn appears widely in the Viking world, and is mentioned in the Icelandic poem collection Poetic Edda and elsewhere. The two birds fly around the world collecting news and then report it to the god in the evening. He says that he fears the ravens may not return from their flight: since their names mean 'thought' and 'memory', the meaning of the verse is that the god is anxious about the loss of these faculties.

Triangular in profile with openwork Urnes Style interlace, attachment pins to lower corners (one absent). 11.2 grams, 41 mm



Found near York, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.

The design is clearly based on the contemporary stirrup mount style with dense openwork interlace and attachment points; the item lacks the rear ledge and attachment stud of the true mounts.

Voided heart-shaped pendant with integral loop; row of crescents to the arms, two ellipsoid bulbs and knop between. 6.45 grams, 38 mm (27 grams total, 10.1 cm including stand)



Acquired on the London art market, 1994. Private collection, London.