Viking Bronze Stirrup Mount Group

With four raised arms and central knop to the upper face, all with punched ring-and-dot detailing; the outer sidewall with four panels of knotwork, dividing vertical stems with ring-and-dot motif, each with a D-shaped protrusion; the upper face with dense zoomorphic ornament; pin and separate catchplate to the underside with central hole, five studs retaining it to the upper. 71.6 grams total, 45 mm

Fine condition, pin intact, backplate slightly cracked.

UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11406-192532.

The type is known as a 'drum' brooch or 'box' brooch. They were apparently manufactured on the island of Gotland and all known examples probably have their origin there. Over time, the refinement of the earlier types (such as the present example) is superseded by cruder decoration consisting of dimples or simple dots.

With tear-drop plaque, pierced lug and scoop finial, low-relief geometric ornament. 10.9 grams, 93 mm



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

In the Finno-Ugrian and Eastern Viking societies the status that an individual might achieve through personal qualities, social position and wealth was enhanced by valuable clothing, finely worked jewellery made of precious metal (like chatelaine chains for women) and, for the men, weapons and horse furnishing of exceptional quality. Families and individuals visually expressed the elements of other societies and cultures that they thought were desirable through the deliberate use of foreign objects.

With zones of applied granulation to the D-shaped body, applied bosses with granule clusters, filigree borders and detailing, straps to the reverse. 10.5 grams, 57 mm



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