Viking Period Bronze Lunar Pendant

Matched pair of bridle fittings formed as two opposing fantastical creatures with their heads turned back and front legs resting on a globe forming a passage for a strap, the bodies decorated with bands of herringbone decoration. 79.2 grams total, 79 mm each



From a European collection, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13379-257911.

On these types of horse-bits, two heads or a head/tail normally face each other. But an unusual piece from Edsvära in Västergötland, Sweden, depicts two heads turned outwards, like in the current example. The mount from Edsvära, with its attached iron bit, was found in 1906 next to a horse's skeleton.

Hollow-formed type with barrel-shaped suspension bar, narrow neck, trefoil plaque with two lateral piercings; applied filigree knotwork to the plaque and suspension bar, domed 'eyes' and nose at the junction with the plaque; plain reverse. 23.1 grams, 71 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13299-256161.

Although the ornament is decorated with a traditional double-braid band, it no longer features animal ornamentation, but intertwined rings made of multi-row filigree wire. The shape of the Tau cross also finds parallels with the patrices of the Busdorf hoard (Schleswig-Holstein).

Formed as a galloping horse carrying a warrior holding a sword in one hand and the other extended to hold the reins, with a rectangular iron bar below. 55 grams, 47 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.