Viking Age Silver Twisted Troc

Matched pair of bridle fittings formed as two opposing fantastical creatures with their heads turned back and front legs resting on a globe forming a passage for a strap, the bodies decorated with bands of herringbone decoration. 79.2 grams total, 79 mm each



From a European collection, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13379-257911.

On these types of horse-bits, two heads or a head/tail normally face each other. But an unusual piece from Edsvära in Västergötland, Sweden, depicts two heads turned outwards, like in the current example. The mount from Edsvära, with its attached iron bit, was found in 1906 next to a horse's skeleton.

Formed as a single square-section wire twisted about its own length with one looped end and one hooked. 4.9 grams, 49 mm



From the private collection of the late collection of Mr M., Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK, formed from the late 1980s to early 1990s.

Openwork pendant with integral loop, pelleted rim, profile beast with head turned to the rear, parcel gilt detailing. 5.62 grams, 33 mm



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