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LOT 1353
Viking Bronze Bird Brooch with Cross
CIRCA 8TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (6.7 grams, 33 mm).
Weetch Type 30b; possibly in the form of a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, standing in profile left, a Christian cross projecting from its back, some stylised detailing to the feathers; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Berkshire, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-5DED86.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Bronze Bird Brooch
10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Modelled in profile with detailed high-relief plumage. 7.12 grams, 30 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Zoomorphic brooches were a long lived tradition in Germanic communities, including amongst Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavians. Most types appear to have fallen out of use in the 11th century, except the ones linked with Christian symbology. -
Viking Age Bronze Buckle Collection
Mainly 8th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Four flat in profile with mask detailing to the tongue-rest; one a substantial D-shaped loop; one similar with keeper to the rear, inlaid silver banding. 53.6 grams total, 23-64 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Pre-Viking Silver-Gilt Scabbard Mount
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Domed and with a ribbed basal rim, the sidewall with four small circular bosses each framed by a bilinear arch; surmounted by a slightly convex disc bearing an incised cross; transverse bar to the underside; Mortimer's type 4iii. 4.2 grams, 14 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
The mount is an extremely early example of the so-called 'sword pyramid' mount which was used in the Vendel period as part of the sword-suspension system. It has a parallel in the find from Sandby Borg, Oland, Sweden where Style I masks also appear.
