C. 600 BC, Bronze Age. Large cage pendant with ovoid body punctuated by pairs of triangular apertures and a suspension loop at the top. The pendant's spheroid shape delicately from an interlocking openwork circle and dot pattern. Such pendants may originally have belonged to precursors of the Druids. A Druid (Celtic: “Knowing [or Finding] the Oak Tree”) was a member of the learned class among the ancient Celts. They seem to have frequented oak forests and acted as priests, teachers, and judges. The earliest written testimony of the Druids comes from the 3rd century BC but they probably originated much earlier as this late dating reflects the point at which the literate Greek-speaking societies of the Mediterranean came into contact with the Celts of Northern Europe. Good condition, Size: H:78mm / W:27mm ; 27g.Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
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Ca. 900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze Viking Lunar pendant with loop, and incised chevron decoration on obverse. Vikings were expert navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power to Vikings. The Moon was personified as Mani, brother to Sol the Sun, and is abundantly represented in Norse literature. Lunar pendants were worn as pectorals as well as suspended from belts, other clothing and horse harnesses. Good, wearable condition. Size: H:32mm / W:mm ; 4g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
C. 600 BC, Bronze Age European. Openwork bronze sun amulet comprising two concentraic circles; the obverse is decorated with spherical ornaments. The sun is commonly depicted in Bronze Age art and seems to have been a powerful symbol of fertility and the passage of time. However, the sun was not just a natural phenomenon but was often viewed as a god in many Bronze Age societies. Good condition. Size: H:57mm / W:55mm ; 27.5g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Ca. 700-1100 AD. Viking Age. A thick cast Viking era bronze 'Omega' penannular brooch with flaring terminals, semi-circular section, incised curvilinear decoration, and a broad pin plate with two rows of impressed decorations comprising circles enclosing dots. Pin is intact. Brooches were an important part of Viking culture and were worn by both men and women. These items were multifunction with their most basic purpose being clothing fasteners while their moreostentatious role was to serve as a display of wealth. Brooches such as this. one were status symbols, tradable goods in lieu of currency, and are often found as grave goods to provision the dead for the afterlife. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: H:53mm / W:48mm ; 65.5g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
250-500 AD, Late Roman. Bronze ring with circular loop, and raised round bezel bearing an incised decoration comprising numerous incised lines, radiating out from a central point, to form a sun motif common in Roman art. The sun stands for Sol Invictus (Latin for: "Unconquered Sun"), a major divinity in Late Roman religion. Sol Invictus was a patron of soldier and became part of official state religion in AD 274 under the Emperor Aurelian. The cult continued into the 5th century as St Augustine felt it necessary to preach against Sol to his Christian congregation. The connection between Sol and soldiers means that this item may well have belonged to a Roman legionary, who wore it a in hope of protection during military campaigns. Good condition. Size: D:17mm/L:24mm;; 7g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s.
c. 900 AD, Viking Age. A substantial bronze ring formed by the continued twisting of a single bronze rod. This ring would have taken many hours to make, due to the need to continually anneal (reheat) the metal during the twisting stage in order to remove the tension from the metal's molecular surface and prevent breakage. Fair condition. Size: D:18mm/L:27mm; 6.5g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with D-shaped loop, flattened, circular bezel bearing an incised seven pointed star and curvilinear decoration around the borders. The hexagram was and is used in practices of the occult and ceremonial magic and is attributed to the 7 "old" planets outlined in astrology. The star is commonly used both as a talisman and for conjuring spirits and spiritual forces in diverse forms of occult magic. Good, wearable condition Size: D:20mm/L:23mm;; 5g.Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period.This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with raised midrib and a recessed integral handle that would have been inset with stone, bone or ivory inlay. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition. Size: L:410mm; 190g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.
c. 1200-1600 AD. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, gently flaring shoulders and a square bezel with rounded corners. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form of four crescents separated by a cross and framed by a crimped border of diamonds. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elitesneeded a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Fair condition. Wearable. Size: D:18mm/L:21mm;; 2.5g.Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
C. 1200 - 1800 AD. Medieval / Post-Medieval. A beautiful collection of 10 cross pendants all of which are cast with raised decoration, including bronze and iron examples. Crosses are the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. Good condition. Wearable. Size: H:25-46mm; 21g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
1000 – 600 BC, Bronz Age. This elegant cast Bronze Age bracelet features a rounded section and tapering terminals. In the Bronze Age bracelets were used not only as jewellery but also as ritual objects of high value, which allowed their owners to store wealth before the invention of coinage. Such bracelets are discovered in burials as grave gifts or found in large hoards, and an important part of the Bronze Age cultures in both Europe and Asia. Excellent condition, beautiful patina. Size: H:71mm; 16g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s;
C. 1-300 AD. Roman. A fine cast bronze armilla bracelet with rectangular section and tapering terminals. Armillae were armband style bracelets awarded as a military decoration. The rank of the soldier in question determined the metal from which the bracelet was made either gold, silver or bronze. These bracelets were not for everyday wear but were occasion pieces worn at special military and civic events suchs a triumphs, religious ceremonies and games. Superb Condition. Wearable.Size: H:59mm; 13.5g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
1000 – 600 BC, Bronze Age. This thick and heavy cast Bronze Age bracelet features a rounded section and tapering terminals. In the Bronze Age bracelets were used not only as jewellery but also as ritual objects of high value, which allowed their owners to store wealth before the invention of coinage. Such bracelets are discovered in burials as grave gifts or found in large hoards, and an important part of the Bronze Age cultures in both Europe and Asia. Good condition, beautiful patina. Size: H:69mm; 39g. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed before 2000 on the UK / European art markets.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with raised elliptical bezel and incised motif in the form of the letter N. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:18mm/L:23mm; 3.5g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Ca.900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze Lunar pendant with loop, seven applied spherical projections on the upper surface and punched decoration on the obverse Vikings were expert navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power to Vikings. The Moon was personified as Mani, brother to Sol (the Sun), and is abundantly represented in Norse literature. Lunar pendants were worn as pectorals as well as suspended from belts, other clothing and horse harnesses. Good, wearable condition. Size: H:55mm / W:48mm ; 17.5g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
Ca.800 BC, Bronze Age. A beautiful Celtic bronze pendant formed as an omega-shaped plaque of round-section wire with coiled ends. Good Condition, Superb patina; wearable. Size: H:122mm / W:67mm ; 113.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1970s on the UK and European art market.
2000-1000 BC, Bronze Age, Luristan. Rare decorated bronze axe with flat, curved blade, prominent midrib which splits to form three branches as it approaches the blade, and circular socket. Bronze weaponry production flourished from the 3000 BC – 1200 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron over the following 500 years. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition; on custom-made stand. Size: H:110mm/L:150mm/H:70mm (without stand); 402g. Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;
Ca. 1500 AD, Tudor, rare bronze ring with circular hoop and decorated bezel comprised of two pairs of clapsed hands in typical Tudor garb, separated by horizonal bands. Marriage rings were first used in antiquity but became increasingly popular in the Middle Ages, when they were worn by married women but not usually by men; husbands only started to wear wedding rings in the 20th century. This item therefore probably belonged to a Tudor woman. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:21mm/L:25mm; 7.5g. Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s; previously acquired in Austria.
800-1200 AD, Byzantine bronze ring with a circular loop, an eleven-petalled flower-shaped bezel and blue glass inset. The medieval empire of Byzantium was justly. famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for empresses and aristocratic women, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. This beautiful bronze example probably adorned the hand of a middle- or lower-class Byzantine woman. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:20mm/L:25mm; 5.5g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A beautiful bronze amulet in the shape of a stylized raven attached to a delicate chain. This raven probably represents Hugin and Munin (pronounced “HOO-gin” and “MOO-nin”; Old Norse Huginn and Muninn) are two ravens in Norse mythology who are helping spirits of Odin, the god of knowledge, war and battle. Good condition, wearable. Size: H:80mm / W:50mm ; 18g. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed before 2000 on the UK / European art markets.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period.This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade and a recessed ibex integral handle that would have been inset with stone, bone or ivory inlay. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition. Size: L:375mm; 362g.Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;
Ca. 700- 1100 AD. Viking Age. A fine cast Viking era bronze 'Omega' penannular brooch with flaring terminals decorated with raised dots, circular section, and a fine pin. This brooch is on a chain ending in a ring-shaped suspension loop with bird-shaped protrusions. Brooches such as this one were status symbols, tradable goods in lieu of currency, and are often found as grave goods to provision the dead for the afterlife. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: H:240mm / W:40mm ; 28g. Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets.
1000 – 600 BC, Bronz Age. Large bronze cloak pin with pomegranate-esque head atop a slim neck with four projecting pointed shoulders and a tapering pin shaft with lightly incised linear decoration Cloak pins were an important part of bronze age culture and were worn by both men and women in much the same fashion as a brooch. These items were multifunction with their most basic purpose being clothing fasteners while their more ostentatious role was to serve as a display of wealth. Cloak pins such as this one were status symbols and could serve as tradablegoods in lieu of currency. Good condition. Wearable. Size: H:212mm / W:35mm ; 173g. Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets.
C. 1200 - 1800 AD. Medieval and post-Medieval. A beautiful collection of 10 cross pendants all of which are cast with raised decoration, including bronze and iron examples. Crosses are the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. Good condition. Wearable. Size: H:23-40mm; 19.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
c. 1200-1600 AD. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, flaring shoulders and a round bezel. The bezel bears incised curvilinear decoration by a border of pips. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Fair condition. Size: D:16mm/L:20mm; 3.5g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with a circular loop formed from a thick, flat-sectioned, flaring band bearing a yellowish-green gemstone instaglio. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Fair condition. Size: D:20mm/L:23mm; 1.5g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK /European art markets.
1-300 AD, Roman. This wonderful pair of cast tinned bronze mirrors both have backs featuring raised decorative patterns comprised of pairs of gentle swirls bounded by lines and arranged in two concentric circles. Mirrors such as these were important luxury items in the Roman world. These items were predominately owned by elite women who would haveused them in order to aid or check the application of cosmetics. These items are frequently found in graves and sanctuary settings demonstrating their value as both an item of wealth and a possible ritual object. For more on Roman mirrors generally see G. Lloyd-Morgan, 'The antecedents and development of the Roman hand mirror', in H. M. Blake, T. W. Potter and D. B. Whitehouse (eds), Papers in Italian Archaeology I: the Lancaster Seminar. Recent Research in Prehistoric, Classical and Medieval Archaeology, BAR Supplementary Series 41 (Oxford; 1978), 227-35. Excellent condition. Size: H: each 60mm; 61.5g. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed before 2000 on the UK / European art markets.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Bronze lance head comprising a substantial leaf-shaped, lentoid-section blade with raised midrib and a long socket for increased control. This particularly ornate example also recalls the weaponry of the Greek warriors of the Trojan war: the owner of this spear would almost certainly have known of Homer’s epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, and owning such an item would allowed him to emulate his heroic ancestors on the battlefield. Superb condition, with a beautiful patina. Size: L:430mm; 350g.Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
C. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Large, heavy bronze ring with circular hoop, formed of two interlocking, tapering prongs. The flaring bezel features incised decoration comprising a cross flanked by confronted chevrons. This striking item may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good condition; wearable. Size: D:20mm/L:28mm; 14.5g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
ca.600-800AD, Saxon period. Striking bronze ring with thick D-shapd hoop, rectangular shoulders and thick lozenge-shaped bezel featuring concentric circle design, probably representing the Sun. The Sun was an important deity in ancient Germanic religion, and gives the modern day Sunday its name. This item have been worn by an individual with some disposable wearlth a sign of their status in Saxon society. Good, wearable. Size: D:14mm/L:22mm; 4g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
1000 – 600 BC, Bronze Age. This thick and heavy cast Bronze Age bracelet features a semicircular section and tapering terminals. In the Bronze Age bracelets were used not only as jewellery but also as ritual objects of high value, which allowed their owners to store wealth before the invention of coinage. Such bracelets are discovered in burials as grave gifts or found in large hoards, and an important part of the Bronze Age cultures in both Europe and Asia. Good condition, beautiful patina. Size: H:63mm; 35g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with a circular hoop and a flattened elliptical bezel bearing incised decoration. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:16mm/L:23mm; 4g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
800-1200 AD, Byzantine. Bronze ring with a circular hoop, and a tri-partite bezel comprised of two ellipsoids and a central circle. The ellipsoid portions of the bezel have two trumpet settings for gems which are flanked by a further gem setting on each shoulder, whilst the central circle has contains a large, light coloured gem. The medieval empire of Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for empresses and aristocratic women, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. This beautiful bronze example probably adorned the hand of a middle- or lower-class Byzantine woman. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:18mm/L:24mm;; 2g. Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.
Ca. 1500 AD, Tudor,. Bronze ring with circular hoop and decorated bezel comprised of a central floral motif flanked by three smaller circular floral motifs to each side. Possibly a marriage ring. Marriage rings were first used in antiquity but became increasingly popular in the Middle Ages, when they were worn by married women but not usually by men; husbands only started to wear wedding rings in the 20th century. This item therefore may have belonged to a Tudor woman. Good, werarable condition. Size: D:18mm/L:22mm;; 3.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with D-shaped hoop, pyramid-shaped bezel. Both the pyramid and the borders of the bezel are decorated with incised decoration. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:17mm/L:23mm; 2.5g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s.
1200 – 800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Lot of three bronze spearheads; 1) spearhead with lozenge-shaped, lentoid section blade with raised midrib, short neck and short tang; 2) spearhead with a leaf-shaped, lentoid-section blade with a raised midrib, short neck and short tang; 3) spearhead with short triangular-shaped, barbed blade with short necks and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Good condition. Size: L:50-125mm; 53g.Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;
C. 1200-1600 AD, Medieval. Bronze ring with a circular hoop, slightly raised shoulders and a octagonal bezel with an inset gem. The gem bears incised decoration in the form of a shield. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Fair condition. Wearable. Size: D:21mm/L:26mm; 5g. Provenance: From an old London collection formed in the 1990s;
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with D-shaped loop, and raised, oval-shaped bezel bearing two rows of incised hatched decoration separated by straight horizontal lines. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:14mm/L:18mm; 4g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze ring formed from a single band with a round hoop bearing incised decoration comprised of alternating diagonal plain and meandering bands. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:18.5mm/L:23mm; 2.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1970s on the UK and European art market.
1st millenium BC, Western Asia. A superb ancient restrung necklace comprising large, round red agate beads with small bronze spacer beads. Beads were an important part of anceint dress. While the primary function of ancient beads was probably decorative, many anceint cultures also believed that different coloured stones had important magical properties. Superb Condition, wearable. Size: L:440mm; 165g. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1990s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with circular loop and raised, oval-shaped bezel bearing incised intersecting hatch decoration. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:17mm/L:23mm; 4.5g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market before 2000.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze sword with a pointed, tapering blade, and a short tang with a perforation for affixing the blade to a pommel. This item is mounted on a stand. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition. Size: L:440mm / W:62mm ; 430g
C. 800-600 BC, Bronze Age. Circular pendant comprising cross-in-circle design supplemented by openwork rondels and applied baubles. The horizonal arm of the cross depicts a stylised snake, a symbol of power but also of healing. In some Bronze Age societies, particularly in the Middle East, snakes were even worshipped as deities. Good condition. Size: H:99mm / W:75mm ; 54g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
C. 1050-1100 AD, Late Viking Age. Bronze cross with circular terminals, featuring white, yellow and dark blue enamel insets. The Cross is the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. This item may have belonged to a Viking, after the Norsemen converted to Christianity in the mid-11th century. Good condition. Size: H:40mm / W:32mm ; 6g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with a circular loop formed from a thick, flat-sectioned, flaring band. In the thickest part of a band is set an agate intaglio bearing a depiction of a bird. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:17mm/L:20mm; 3g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
c. 900 AD, Viking Age. A substantial bronze ring formed by the continued twisting of a single bronze rod. This ring would have taken many hours to make, due to the need to continually anneal (reheat) the metal during the twisting stage in order to remove the tension from the metal's molecular surface and prevent breakage. Good condition. Size: D:17mm/L:24mm; 7g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
ca.600-800AD, Saxon period. Striking bronze ring with circular hoop and trumpet bezel enclosing a dark green glass setting secured by four 'arms'. This item have been worn by an individual with some disposable wearlth a sign of their status in Saxon society. Good, wearable. Size: D:18mm/L:27mm; 3.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze ring formed from a single band with a round hoop and flaring bezel bearing incised decoration comprised of vertical bands. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:19.5mm/L:24mm; 5g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Bronze Age. A bronze sword with a pointed, bevelled blade, raised midrib and a short tang with a perforation for affixing the blade to a pommel. This item is mounted on a stand. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition. Size: L:430mm; 225g. Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;
800-600 BC, Greek Hoplite Period. Rare iron xiphos dagger with a leaf shaped blade, elegant Quillion, and an intact tubular bone handle with toothed end and incised decoration comprising a series of bands framing a field of concentric chevrons. Swords, spears, daggers and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it, especially the Hoplites. Hoplites were the citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greece, where each city state was fiercely independent and could only be sustained through the military power of its male inhabitants. Hoplites primarily fought using the closed phalanx formation to allow best use of their frequently small numbers. For more information on Greek hoplite warfare, see Donald Kagan and Gregory F. Viggiano (eds., 2013). Men of Bronze: Hoplite Warfare in Ancient Greece, Princeton University Press. Good condition. Size: L:325mm; 144g. Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed in the 1990s.
C. 300 AD, Roman. Silvered bronze bow brooch with prominent head and segmented decoration on the bow. Fibulae were both dress essentials for holding together cloaks, tunics, dresses and shawls, as well as important status markers in Roman society. Crossbow broacheswere often part of Roman military uniforms in the later Empire. Excellent condition. Size: 57mmx32mm;13gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK /European art markets.
c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. A beautiful bronze dragon’s foot amulet comprised of four applied spheroid decorations with highly ornamented faux-woven borders, and four triangular charms suspended from the openwork suspension loops. In Norse mythology, Fáfnir (Old Norse and Icelandic) or Frænir is a son of the dwarf king Hreidmar and brother of Regin , Ótr, Lyngheiðr and Lofnheiðr. After being affected by the curse of Andvari’s ring and gold, Fafnir became a dragon and was slain by the brave hero Sigurd. The wearable reminder of this myth would have inspired bravery in Viking warriors. Good condition. Size: 45mmx38mm;27gr. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A superb bronze example of an axe or Perun amulet of the bearded variety comprising a suspension loop and stylised blade incised curvilinear decoration. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counter part to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 52mmx36mm;15gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Duck-shaped silvered bronze clasp for afixing Roman military requipment, probably for suspending equipment such as a helmet when it was not in use. Excellent condition - Stunning Patina. Size: 62mmx11mm;24. Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.
C. 1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze key with square teeth featuring openwork design and flaring suspension hoop with raised decoration. Roman keys are highly sought-after collectors’ pieces. Keys were used to open chests, boxes, and caskets, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, and votive offerings. Usually worn around the person, keys were also a subtle status symbol implying that the wearer had valuable assets to protect. Good condition. Size: W: 55mm / H: 20mm;32gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market formed in the 1970s;
C. 300 AD, Roman. Bronze plate brooch with three central circular perforations flanked by hemispherical yellow and blue enamel panels; a further panel with radiate spikes appears at the top of the item; on the rear the pin and catchplate are largely preserved. Good condition. Size: 37mmx19mm;5gr. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1990s.
C. 1200-1600. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form of a crowned two headed eagle framed by a crimped border. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 5gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
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