Viking Period Silver Decorated Bracelet

Elongated plate with longitudinal split and rivet; openwork scrolled tendril motif developing to a wolf-head. 14.6 grams, 55 mm



Found Norfolk, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.

The head is sometimes attributed to Fenrir the cosmic wolf which will break free from the bonds the gods placed on it and destroy the world at the end of time.

Composed of a slightly domed openwork body, the central arms with simple incised geometric detailing and central boss, free-running attachment bars above. 15.5 grams, 89 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Featuring a chip-carved knotted scheme between scrolling flanks, dragon’s head terminal with upturned nostrils and snarling mouth revealing two rows of vicious teeth; flat back with three studs for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 7 grams, 23 mm (21 grams total, 57mm including stand)

Very fine condition.

Previously in a North European collection. Ex UK collection. Nigel Mills, East London, UK. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

Animal heads of this size were often used to make mounts or small weights. They often had insertions of precious stones in the eyes and cavities, and were made of gold, silver, lead, and gilded bronze. The Norse mythological bestiary was varied, and dragon heads were common. Perhaps this head represents the world serpent, Jǫrmungandr, son of Loki and destined to die at the hands of Thor in Ragnarok, in turn killing the god with his poisonous exhalations.