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LOT 0313
Viking Silver Gripping Beast Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (8.44 grams, 35 mm).
With integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items K-4.
FootnotesThere is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures.
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
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Anglo-Scandinavian Bronze Seax War Knife Pommel Cap with Interlaced Panels
10th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £83
Comprising a flat oval-shaped top, narrow rim and four vandykes to the edges; the upper face with an incuse cruciform knot design, the edge with reserved spirals and guilloche motifs in Ringerike Style. 27.5 grams, 31 mm
Fine condition.
UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman.
The style of the decoration suggests an Anglo-Scandinavian source for the pommel. -
Viking Bronze Urnes Style Mount Collection
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £53
Comprising: one C-shaped mount with tendril detailing; two irregular pierced pendants with beast-head suspension lug; one lead master for making pendant moulds. 41.7 grams total, 29-46 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The comparatively recent finds from Lincoln, Hemel Hempstead and Grantham have considerably augmented the number of objects found in England decorated in the Urnes style, the last art style of the Vikings, and indicate that English metalworkers could produce objects of high quality. The employment of these mounts was probably linked with the fastening of puttees around the calves, the so-called wickelbander. Evidence for similar mounts as fastening pieces comes from Leyre (Danemark) and Novgorod (Ryurik Gorodische), and many other localities. -
Viking Age Strap Distributor
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Composed of a ring and two free-moving foliate style openwork hubs. 24.2 grams, 74 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
