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LOT 1478
Viking Bronze Cross on Bird Brooch
8TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (7.02 grams, 34 mm).
The cross forming suspension loops on its back, engraved and punched feather and eye detailing; pin lug and catchplate to reverse; likely Weetch type 30B. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme, record id. SUR-F46DF7, for type.
FootnotesThe profile of the bird's beak suggests this is an eagle (symbolic of the Resurrection and St John) rather than a dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit), although either are a possibility. There is a group of three pierced holes on the bird's breast which might symbolise the Holy Trinity.
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
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Viking Coiled Bronze Ring
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Composed of nine tiers of round cross-section coils, the terminals tapering to points. 17.88 grams, 22.14 mm overall, 17.42 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Tortoise Brooch Necklace Set with Pendants
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising: two oval brooches, each domed with raised ornament, wide flange, ferrous remains of the pin to the reverse; suspended from the lower edge of each brooch a triangular openwork spacer plate with three tiers of red and green glass tubular beads, the lower tier with a discoid pendant plaque with bands of raised pellets; three double-link chains running between the plates; three more chains from each plate with an amuletic or decorative pendant comprising a bronze model knife in its sheath, a silver(?) Dirhem coin, an iron model dog with punched decoration, a latch-lifter key, a pair of bronze crotal bells, a stone disc or spindle whorl; displayed on a large high-quality custom-made display stand by Colin Bowles Limited. 7.7 kg total, 56 x 54 cm including display frame
Fine condition, cleaned and conserved.
Family collection formed after World War II; thence by descent. Ex London collection since 2016.
Women's display jewellery in the Viking age comprised both utilitarian and symbolic items. The brooches were worn high on the chest, supporting an apron-type overdress (hangerok) with the beads and chains strung between them and various small items attached. The pendants probably symbolised the authority of the female in the domestic sphere (key, coin, spindle whorl), and in husbandry (model animal, crotal bells, model knife). -
Viking Age Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount with Bear's Mask
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Of Williams's Class B Type 4, comprising a facing bear's head mask with piriform eyes and openwork ears, ribbed forelock, lateral loops above vertical bars connected to the lower rectangular panel with angled ledge below; restored. 30 grams, 40 mm
Found UK. From an old North Country collection; formed between 1970-2000.
