Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1754

Viking Bronze Bird Brooch

10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.

1 1/2 in. (10.9 grams, 38 mm).

Modelled in profile with radiating tripartite crest, triangular stub wing, splayed feet, catch and pin-lugs to the reverse. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Literature

Cf. Pedersen, A., ‘ Birds of Prey or Doves. Early Medieval bird-shaped brooches’ in Aarboger for Nordisk Oldkyndighed og Historie 1999 (2001), 2001, pp.19-66, fig.22, for similar brooch; Hammond, B., British Artefacts vol.3 - Late Saxon, Late Viking & Norman, Witham, 2013, item 1.1.3-d.

Footnotes

Bird brooches from the late Viking era have been found in Scandinavia as well in the English Danelaw, through to the early Norman era; such brooches can be dated to the 11th and even early 12th century.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

LOT 1754

Viking Bronze Bird Brooch

Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Viking Period Bronze Annular Brooch
    Viking Period Bronze Annular Brooch
    11th-12th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £33

    The ring carinated with T-shaped spur split at the inner edge, pin curled around the shank. 37 grams, 67 mm



    From N.S. Wales, Australia. From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; with collection no.15, 21, 30, 31; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent.

    Lot Details

  • Viking Age Silver Filigree Pendant with Cross Design
    Viking Age Silver Filigree Pendant with Cross Design
    Circa 9th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £845

    Disc pendant with integral loop, applied filigree rim enclosing filigree spirals and granules in a cruciform design. 5.95 grams, 42 mm



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

    Lot Details

  • Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
    Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
    9th-11th century A.D. or earlier

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £208

    Decorated sheet gold sleeve, hoof-shaped stone mounted in the socket; loop absent. 0.18 grams, 10 mm



    Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

    This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list