Loading, please wait...
LOT 1518
Viking Age Volga Bulgar Bronze Belt Mount
LATE 10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (8.7 grams, 32 mm).
Of polygonal shape, reserved stylised vegetal forms; attachment rivets to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Historical Museum, Moscow, The road of Varangians to Greeks and Greece (In Russian and English), Moscow, 1996, nos.232-237, 422, for similar mounts.
FootnotesPentagonal strap mounts decorated with schematic plant ornaments, cast in bronze, characterised the population of Volga Bulgars, often in commercial relations with the Viking world. A belt-set with pentagonal and rectangular mounts decorated with plant ornaments, along with its strap end and buckle, were excavated by V.D. Sokolov in Slavic-Scandinavian graves in Russian territory.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Filigree Pendant with Conjoined Ravens
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,460
The upper face decorated with a two-headed filigree raven, raised ropework border, suspension loop with pyramids of granules continuing onto the reverse. 6.26 grams, 42 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.203746.
Pairs of ravens were considered auspicious in medieval Scandinavian society. In pre-Christian times, two such birds were the informants of the god Odin, who relayed news of the deeds of men. They were also carrion birds, frequenting battlefields to feast on the bodies of fallen warriors. -
Viking Age Silver Trade Weight Group
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
One a discoid bezel(?) with notched edge, two fragments of rectangular bar. 4.2 grams total, 6-9 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Bracelet with Rope Design
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Composed of a tapering penannular body with convex outer face and collared terminals. 64 grams, 69 mm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
