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LOT 1342
Viking Gilt Bronze Penannular Brooch Loop
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (15.8 grams, 53 mm).
Featuring tiered collars to shoulders and openwork zoomorphic opposed-heads design; collars to retain the pin; small loop to reverse for attachment of a securing chain. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.43 (1,2).
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 Iron Pin with Bronze Horse Head Finial
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Composed of a tapering pin, beast head neck and polygonal head engraved with a boat occupied by a central figure and two horse's heads facing outwards; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 70 grams total, 13 cm high including stand
Ex private UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher.
A similar design can be seen on the Tjonehoj brooch, Denmark. -
Large Viking Period Decorated Bronze Armlet
Circa 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Of penannular form, with raised perimeters to both faces and bifacial punched geometric motifs, including to the side edge. 215 grams, 10.3 cm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Gilt Bronze Oseberg Box Brooch with Entwined Animals
8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,510
Formed as a hollow drum-shaped casting with ornament to the obverse and sidewall; the high-relief designs comprising three radiating panels of Oseberg Style 'gripping-beast' motifs with a dome at the centre and three to the beaded border; the slightly sloping sidewall with four panels of S-shaped animals with interlaced tendrils, separated by beaded borders; to the reverse, the perimeter flange supported by two integral blocks supporting the catchplate and pin-hole respectively, the latter damaged and replaced by a second offset hole. 44 grams, 50 mm
European collection, acquired 1980s. Ex property of a UK collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 200319.
The Oseberg style shows a strong interplay between zoomorphic and geometric patterns that continues artistic traditions predating the Viking Age, but continued in the Viking Age at least until 875 A.D. While 8th century art and ornaments show considerable variation across Scandinavia, the gripping-beast motif was adopted in every region within a few decades after 790 A.D.
