Viking Bronze Cross Brooch with Central Turret

Composed of a ring and two free-moving foliate style openwork hubs. 24.2 grams, 74 mm



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

With central dome and upturned ends, ribbed and textured detailing to the obverse, catch and pin-lugs to the reverse. 109 grams total, 78-84 mm



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

Equal-armed bronze brooches of this category were found in various graves of Birka’s cemeteries (graves 444, 603, 535, 551, 577 and 483). They were all female graves and these clasps were used to fasten the cloaks in the upper part of the dress.

In the form of an equine creature modelled in the round with long beak and arched neck; panels of gilded Style I ornament to each lateral face, stepped band with punched detailing extending from the ears to the chest; rounded rump with pointillé detailing; hollow mounting socket to the underside. 13.6 grams, 42 mm



Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11895-204402.

The socket on the underside suggests that the mount was placed prominently, perhaps on the crest of a helmet. Zoomorphic helmet mounts are known e.g. the boars on the Benty Grange and Wollaston examples, though these are not so detailed as the present example. The item is too small to be seen from afar but is ornate enough to attract attention at close quarters. Stylistically, the piece might have been made in southern Scandinavia or in an Anglian area of England in the later 5th or 6th century A.D.