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LOT 0383
Viking Silver-Gilt Beast-Head Finial
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (12.6 grams, 42 mm).
Drinking horn terminal formed as a tubular socket with flange rim, narrow canine head with raised ovoid eyes, open mouth with swept struts, muzzle with flange. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the John Hewitt collection (1919-1994).
Ex Sam Fogg, London, UK, dealer in the art of the Middle Ages.
Property of a Canadian collector living in Ontario; acquired 2018.
Supplied with a printed copy of Fornvännen article by Peter Pentz.
Cf. similar find from Oppelstrup, Denmark in Pentz, P., The same but Different. A note on a recently found zoomorphic drinking horn terminal, in Fornvännen, 2020/2, p.83.
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 Inspired Bronze Omega Penannular Brooch Collection
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A group of flat-section Mordvinian type brooches. 72.7 grams total, 55-59 mm
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This type of brooch belongs to the typologies of the omega brooches. It was probably used by Ugro-Finnic people to fasten the shirt at the neck or to attach other lighter garments. These brooches evolved to become very elaborate, with dangling springs from the edges, and were often worn in pairs, particularly on female garments. In this late Viking period their coins demonstrated Russian and Eastern Roman influences in their art and jewellery. -
Viking Bronze Decorated Spoon
10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
With shallow bowl and bulb to the neck, square-section handle with twisted shank, collar and knop finial; reverse of bowl with lattice motif; mounted on a custom-made stand. 15.4 grams, 13.5 cm (39 grams total, 14.7 cm including stand)
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The lattice motif has parallels in the art of the Vars and other cultures of the Hungarian plain. Scandinavian contact with that part of Europe was maintained by trade and settlement along the Volga and other waterways. The city of Kyiv was ruled by Scandinavian Rus for some centuries.