Viking Age Silver Stamp-Decorated Bracelet

The decoratively twisted bar with a tapering, circular cross-section and butted ends fused at the underside. 6.47 grams, 20.94 mm overall, 14.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)



Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.

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.

Composed of a tapering pin, beast head neck and polygonal head engraved with a boat occupied by a central figure and two horse's heads facing outwards; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 70 grams total, 13 cm high including stand



Ex private UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher.

A similar design can be seen on the Tjonehoj brooch, Denmark.