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LOT 1233
Viking Period Lock and Key Group
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 - 6 1/8 in. (407 grams total, 9.5-15.5 cm).
A group of iron keys and a lock; two keys with sith a cruciform head, crimped edges and central void; one with a square head with spur to each angle; one with T-shaped head and vertical spurs; one with a disc finial, square void with rounded edges; one iron barrel padlock with hasp. applied decorative bands to the body. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.108.
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 Patrix Die with Figure
Circa 9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
A Moravian sub-triangular copper-alloy patrix die displaying a stylised standing figure to the upper face, inorans pose, ring-and-dot and other symbols in the field. 41.5 grams, 43 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The Great Moravian Empire, Christianised by East Frankish missionaries and later experienced significant cultural development under King Rastislav, with the arrival of the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius in 863 A.D., developed its own artistic style under the influence of Carolingian Empire and Eastern Roman Empire. The images of praying saints, similar to our figure, are evident on belt plate decorations, where the image of the suppliant with open hands and long talaris tunica is often repeated. If the two stylised figures are interpreted as lions, the patrix die could possibly represent the Biblical story of Daniel in the lion’s cave. -
Viking Period Silver Coiled Ring
8th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £416
A coiled silver ring comprising five slender tiers and tapering terminals, the central three coils plain, the upper and lower most tiers decorated with punched rectangles within expanded elliptical panels. 5.25 grams, 21.85 mm overall, 17.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Viking Period Silver Lunar Pendant
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
A silver crescent pendant with applied rim, recurved suspension loop, three applied granules each with a penannular collar; Slavic workmanship. 4.26 grams, 25.19 mm wide
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.