Viking Period Bronze Penannular Brooch Collection

Penannular hoop expanding at the shoulders; the shoulders with fur detailing, and each of the finials formed as a wolf's head with large annular eyes and pointed ears. 10.25 grams, 27.53 mm overall, 21.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



Found near Thetford, Norfolk, UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Some rings from the Vendel period were adorned with images of monstrous animals, derived from Norse mythology. The stylisation of these animal heads recalled the wolf Fenrir, or the World Serpent, Jörmungandr.

Hollow-formed with an applied backplate; the heavily decorated body with upstanding ears and a clubbed end to the muzzle; a narrow median raised band separating the face into two panels, each decorated with interlaced ornament in low relief depicting serpents locked in combat, their bodies dramatically entwined; the rear panel with four 'forearm and hand' motifs surrounding a central lozenge with pellet; rectangular guilloche to the lower borders, muzzle-band, rear panel and median upper band; Jellinge Style scrollwork to the outer and upper faces of the conical 'ears'; a hinged pin to the underside with curved catch, applied plate to the underside with two bands of punched lozenge decoration; mounted on a custom-made stand. 140 grams, 65 mm (220 grams total, 11 cm including stand)



Private collection, New York, USA. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 15 February 2018, no.58. Private American collection, New York, USA. TimeLine Auctions, 5 March 2024, no.391. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13146-248323.

Box-shaped hollow animal-head brooches originated on the island of Gotland, Sweden, although they have been found in other parts of the Viking world. They were made to be worn in pairs, high on the chest of women's 'hangerok' apron-dresses with chains and swags of beads suspended between them. They are found in women's burials alongside utility items such as a knife or tweezers, and formed part of the costume of females from prosperous families. This example shows exceptionally fine decoration and would have been a treasured item, denoting the wealth and status of the family of the woman who wore it.

Narrow hoop with bezel of two claw settings each with an inset cabochon stone. 2.73 grams, 22.43 mm overall, 15.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.