Viking Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant

Composed of a tapering, round-section body with flat base and inverted triangular mouth holding a moveable bar, suspended on a ring with twisted wire coils and stamped with small circles repeated on the bar below; the fish body decorated with four panels of low-relief Mammen Style interlacing with remains of gilding; two circular piercings to each side of the body. 23.2 grams, 72 mm high

Fine condition.

Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Ex Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Originally produced as a necklace element, refashioned at an unspecified point in antiquity into a pendant, possibly as early as the 9th-10th century A.D. Pendants of this type were worn strung together in groups, the tapering profile allowing them to sit comfortably as a collar below the neck. They were often worn suspended between two zoomorphic brooches. This example has been taken from a necklace and mounted on a suspension ring for use as an amuletic pendant.

Displaying bifacial eye and neck detailing; suspension loop above. 1.19 grams, 15 mm



Acquired 1970-2010. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

Composed of a sheet-silver domed discoid body with bands of applied filigree and granule detailing, cruciform design with interstitial facing masks, reeded strip detailing to reverse and hinged pin. 14.2 grams, 44 mm



Acquired in Germany in the 1990s. Formerly the property of a European gentleman living in Germany. Ex West London, UK, collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11730-200376.

The gradual spreading of Christianity among the Danish Vikings can be seen in certain pieces of jewellery, as here, where a cross is clearly traced among the filigree ornaments. Pagan amulets - such as Thor's hammer - were first combined with cross motifs and finally completely replaced by crucifixes.