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LOT 0357
Viking Gilt Bronze Horse Harness Mount with Face
CIRCA 10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (17.31 grams, 47.67 mm).
Comprising a hollow central dome with four radiating trapezoidal arms, each with central piercing and bands of punched roundel decoration; dome with male face detailing, thick brow (or helmet) over two piriform eyes, rounded nose and wide-flaring moustache; suspension loop beneath the chin. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.92, item 5, for similar mask; Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B., Mennesker, Guder og Masker i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, vol.1, Borgen, 2005, item 62, for type.
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
AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Bronze Tweezers
Circa 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With broad arms and rounded finials; incised ring-and-dot detailing. 4.58 grams, 44 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount Group
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Comprising: Class A Type 1 with ferrous studs; Class A Type 2 with apex tab absent. 36.3 grams total, 43-45 mm
Found Norfolk, UK. -
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Scandinavian Viking Age Silver Inlaid Iron Hilt Guard
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Hollow-formed with a deep curved profile; rectangular slot in the upper face for the tang; bands of applied silver ropework ornament on a sheet-silver field. 70 grams, 72 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
The guard is too narrow to have been used on a sword, but it may have been part of the hilt furniture of a high-status seax or knife. The form is approximately consistent with Petersen's Type Z of late-10th century date.
