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LOT 1350
Viking Silver-Gilt Drinking Horn Terminal
CIRCA 7TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (14.5 grams, 50 mm).
Comprising a tapering sleeve and stylised bird-head with scrolled beak and angled bar above the eye; pierced in two places. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the early 1970s.
Ex property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
Cf. the mount shows stylistic parallels with PAS record no.LEIC-1DCF5E; for similarly shaped drinking horns with eagle design, see the drinking horm from Taplow burial mound, British Musuem, museum number 1883,1214.19.
FootnotesThe decorative style of the terminal bears resemblance to the Trewhiddle style, dated to the ninth to early tenth centuries, although it seems a more simplified version of the Taplow Horn terminals. Zoomorphic terminals on Trewhiddle style strap ends bear very similar circular ears containing chevron motifs, and panels of decoration on the brow.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Silver Pendant with Expanding Cross
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £113
Executed in repoussé technique, a dome to each arm likely representing the Five Wounds of Christ, together with punched annulets and other details. 6.56 grams, 51 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Tortoise Brooch Necklace Set with Pendants
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising: two oval brooches, each domed with raised ornament, wide flange, ferrous remains of the pin to the reverse; suspended from the lower edge of each brooch a triangular openwork spacer plate with three tiers of red and green glass tubular beads, the lower tier with a discoid pendant plaque with bands of raised pellets; three double-link chains running between the plates; three more chains from each plate with an amuletic or decorative pendant comprising a bronze model knife in its sheath, a silver(?) Dirhem coin, an iron model dog with punched decoration, a latch-lifter key, a pair of bronze crotal bells, a stone disc or spindle whorl; displayed on a large high-quality custom-made display stand by Colin Bowles Limited. 7.7 kg total, 56 x 54 cm including display frame
Fine condition, cleaned and conserved.
Family collection formed after World War II; thence by descent. Ex London collection since 2016.
Women's display jewellery in the Viking age comprised both utilitarian and symbolic items. The brooches were worn high on the chest, supporting an apron-type overdress (hangerok) with the beads and chains strung between them and various small items attached. The pendants probably symbolised the authority of the female in the domestic sphere (key, coin, spindle whorl), and in husbandry (model animal, crotal bells, model knife). -
Viking Bronze Strap Distributor with Beast Heads
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Each head free-running with bestial detailing in relief, scrolling details to the hoop. 36 grams, 50 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
