Viking Bronze Zoomorphic Strap End Collection

Comprising a hoop formed from overlapping arms and plaited bezel embellished with slender twisted wire thread. 6.60 grams, 26.91 mm overall, 19.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



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

Formed from a hollow vesica-shaped silver mount which rattles when shaken, probably a horse-harness fitting; with Urnes style interlaced dragons in low relief surrounding a facing bearded mask with large staring eyes (Thor?). 67 grams, 73 mm



Formerly acquired on the German art market in the early 1980s. Previously in a European collection in the 1990s. From an important central London collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200377.

The last phase of Viking art is the Urnes style from about 1050-1150. The Urnes style has gracefully curved lines of different width - swelling, tapering - but always in a curve. The tendril clusters from the Ringerike style are abandoned. The Urnes style developed shortly before the middle of the 11th century.

Composed of a convex cutting edge, tapering cheeks with bearded lower edge and an oval-shaped socket with lozengiform flanges and roughly rectangular extensions to the butt, hole inside the blade. 567 grams, 15.5 cm



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.

Iron axeheads of this typology, diffused especially in the regions of the Baltic Sea where they were imported from Scandinavia, show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade, often perforated through the centre. They are characterised by two projections spurs from the top and the bottom of the back of the shaft-hole.