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LOT 1479
Viking Bronze Stirrup Terminal Collection
CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 - 2 1/8 in. (103 grams total, 27-53 mm).
Comprising one example accompanied by a Portable Antiquities Scheme record for an Anglo-Scandinavian terminal with a trilobate end resembling an animal's foot, William's Class L; accompanied by four additional terminals of different types, some with zoomorphic designs in relief. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Berkshire, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-138BD4.
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Viking Age Bronze Annular Brooch Frame
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Composed of a domed upper face decorated with tendrils and other enigmatic motifs; remains of tinning. 14.3 grams, 37 mm
From a 1970s private collection. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. -
Pre-Viking Silver-Gilt Mythical Beast Helmet Mount
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
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. -
Viking Bronze Urnes Style Mount Collection
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £53
Comprising: one C-shaped mount with tendril detailing; two irregular pierced pendants with beast-head suspension lug; one lead master for making pendant moulds. 41.7 grams total, 29-46 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The comparatively recent finds from Lincoln, Hemel Hempstead and Grantham have considerably augmented the number of objects found in England decorated in the Urnes style, the last art style of the Vikings, and indicate that English metalworkers could produce objects of high quality. The employment of these mounts was probably linked with the fastening of puttees around the calves, the so-called wickelbander. Evidence for similar mounts as fastening pieces comes from Leyre (Danemark) and Novgorod (Ryurik Gorodische), and many other localities.
