1200-1600 AD. Medieval / possibly British. Bronze ring with D-shaped hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form a crowned lion holding a sword surrounded by a crimped border. The shoulders bear incised linear decoration. 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; 6gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
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800 – 600 BC, Greek Hoplite Period. A Bronze spearhead with a triangle-shaped, lentoid-section blade with a raised midrib and medium length socket. Beautiful Patina. From west Asia to Mainland Greece, bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. Good condition. Size: L:270mm / W:50mm ; 400g. Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed in the 1970s.
Ca. 700-1100 AD. Viking Age. A Viking era bronze penannular brooch with flaring terminals decorated with raised dots arranged in geometric patterns, circular section, and a fine pin. This brooch is made more spectacular by the addition of cowrie shells wired to the body of the brooch. 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. Size: 100mmx63mm; 31gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
Ca. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A circular bronze pendant with suspension loop. The inner part of the pendant comprises weaved bands of decoration which simulate the appearance of wicker. While the Vikings are most commonly known for their prowess in war, they were also skilled in metalworking, as this beautiful piece illustrates well. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Size: 37mmx30mm; 7gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
Ca. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze bracelet with rectangular section and incised dot-in-circle decoration, a motif used to represent the sun. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Vikings were expert navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power to Vikings. The Moon was personified as Mani, brother to Sol the Sun, and both are abundantly represented in Norse literature. Size: 40mmx60mm; 11gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
C. 1-300 AD. Roman. A heavy bronze armilla bracelet with rectangular section and sub-elliptical 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.. Size: 67mmx70mm; 44gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with punched dot and box decoration, and raised ridges on the terminals thought to be a stylised depictions of dragons, which frequently appear on Viking-age ornaments. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also. given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Dragons were important figures in Norse mythology, and were known for their powerful, destructive nature, perhaps reflecting a claim to power by the individual who once owned this bracelet. Good condition, beautiful patina Size: 48mmx63mm; 33gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.
Ca.700-900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze pendant comprising stylised beast and rider viewed in profile, with two circular suspension holes below the rider's arms. In the Viking world, amulets were a part of everyday life and often included in mummy wrapping. The power of each amulet was variable and derived from a combination the amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, colour, material, and any magic incantations spoken over the piece. Good condition; attractive patina. Size: 45mmx34mm; 10gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
Ca.1000 BC, Luristan. Attractive cast bronze figurine of a stag with loop. The body is long and narrow with lengthy legs and a short tail. The powerful head culminates in impressive antlers. This item may have served as a fitting or an amulet. Good condition/beautiful patina. Size: 35mmx39mm; 6gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Ca.700-900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze pendant comprising bull with prominent curving horns and long, flowing tail. Holes for suspension are located on the hooves and within the tail In the Viking world, amulets were a part of everyday life and often included in mummy wrapping. The power of each amulet was variable and derived from a combination the amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, colour, material, and any magic incantations spoken over the piece. Good condition; attractive patina. Size: 38mmx34mm; 7gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.
C. 300 AD, Roman. Bronze zoomorphic brooch in the form of a fish with well-modelled scales and slender tail. Hinge, pin and catchplate are well preserved on the reverse. Zoomorphic brooches were common under the Roman Empire, and are typically associated with Gaul and Britain, where they may have been an important part of dress amongst military communities. Good condition. Size: 38mmx14mm; 4gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK /European art markets.
Ca 1-300 AD, Roman. A bronze ring with a thick circular hoop, flattened, rectangular bezel and perpendicular projecting key featuring an openwork labyrinth design. Keys rings were used to open chests, boxes, and caskets, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, and votive offerings. Key rings were also a subtle status symbol implying that the wearer had valuable assets to protect. Good condition, wearable. Size: 15mm; US 4.5 UK I1\2; 8gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.
2000-1000 BC, Luristani. Bronze ring comprising a circular hoop with a flattened section bearing incised linear decoration and large applied circular bezel with raised sun motif. 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: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 14gr. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1990s.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A bronze coiled ring intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Size: 23mm; 9gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with circular hoop and octagonal bezel with incised decoration depicting a beast of unclear identification. Perhaps the property of a Roman soldier, who may have used it to sign and seal his letters. Good, wearable condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 5gr. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.
1200-1600 AD. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form a bird siting atop a column surrounded by a vegetal motif. 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: 17mm;US 7.5 UK P; 6gr. Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.
1200-1400 AD, Late Byzantine. Bronze ring with circular hoop featuring incised star-in-circle decoration and oval bezel featuring a Greek inscription. The inscription probably includes an abbreviated name of its owner's name in the first line (NI for Nikator), suggesting it may have belonged to a pilgrim to the Holy Land during the later Middle Ages. Good condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 6gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
400-600 AD, Early Byzantine. Open-work gold earrings in a crescent shape, decorated with extensive granulation and featuring a cross, four birds and bunches of grapes, which are all symbols of Christianity. Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. This item probably belonged to a Byzantine noblewoman, eager to profess her faith. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: 40mmx33mm; 4gr. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.
c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A beautiful bronze ring comprising a circular, flat-sectioned band with an applied phallus and incised decoration on the uppermost portion of the shoulders. Phallic charms, often winged, were ubiquitous in Roman culture and relate to the fascinus or fascinum which was the embodiment of the divine phallus. The word can refer to the deity himself (Fascinus), to phallus effigies and amulets, and to the spells used to invoke his divine protection against evil. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 19.6mm, US 9 1/2, UK T; 6gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
1000-1200 AD, Norman. Rare bronze ring with circular hoop and round bezel bearing incised decoration described within a circle. The decoration comprises a detailed horse in motion against a vegetal background. The Normans were a people descended from the Vikings, who came to settle Northern France, before carving out kingdoms for themselves in Britain and Sicily. They were fearsome fighters just like their Viking ancestors, and revelled in their military prowess. This item may have belonged to one such Norman warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 20.6mm, US: 11, UK: V1/2; 10.1g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s
Ca.900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze Viking open work Lunar pendant with loop, decorated with raised dots (granulations). 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: 21.6mm, W: 24.3mm; 3.41g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.
C. 1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze amulet in the form of a six-spoked wheel with supension loop. The wheel is a symbol of fate and fortune in the Roman world and perhaps represents the original owner's desire for good luck. Good condition; wearable. Size: H: 25.0mm, W: 19.5mm; 2.32g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
1200-800 BC. Bronze Age Luristani. 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 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 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:130mm/L:145mm/H:45mm (without stand); 500g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
C. 300 AD, Roman. Superb bronze bow brooch with prominent coiled head terminating in finely-executed spheres and incised linear decoration interspersed with stylised stars 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 brooches were often part of Roman military uniforms in the later Empire. Excellent condition. Size: H: 94.2mm, W: 39.2mm; 38.91g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.
Ca. 700-1100 AD. Viking Era. A Viking era bronze penannular brooch with flaring terminals decorated with raised dots arranged in geometric patterns, circular section, and a fine pin. This brooch is made more spectacular by the addition of cowrie shells wired to the body of the brooch. 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. Size: H: 82.0mm, W: 40.6mm; 16.29g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
700-900 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with incised decoration bands comprising curvilinear designs and pips. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Good condition, beautiful patina. Size: H: 46.4mm, W: 61.7mm; 19g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with punched dot and box decoration, and raised ridges on the terminals thought to be a stylised depictions of dragons, which frequently appear on Viking-age ornaments. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also. given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Dragons were important figures in Norse mythology, and were known for their powerful, destructive nature, perhaps reflecting a claim to power by the individual who once owned this bracelet. Good condition, beautiful patina. Size: H: 51.5mm, W: 67.3mm; 49.62g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze twisted bracelet comprised strands of bronze woven together with incised lines intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Wearable. Size: H: 52.3mm, W: 70.4mm; 37.90g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s;
C. 900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Beautiful gold cross with intricate repeating heart-shaped openwork decoration and circular suspension loop. The centre of the cross comprises a conical emerald setting and three teardrop shaped pendants hang from the bottom. The medieval empire of Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. 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, wearable condition. Size: H: 62.6mm, W: 36.4mm; 7.88g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.
C. 900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Beautiful gold cross pendant with suspension loop featuring straight arms terminating in applied gold baubles and a beautiful centre-set round intaglio featuring an image of St George. The medieval empire of Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. 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, wearable condition. Size: H: 44.9mm, W: 33.7mm; 11.82g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s;
c. 800-600 BC, Greek Hoplite Period, A beautiful hoplite sword with a tapering, bevelled blade, a slightly raised midrib, a deep, decorative fuller or “blood groove” with a flaring base, and a short tang. This item is mounted on a stand and has a fantastic green patina. 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. Weapons such as this sword 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. 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. Superb condition. Size: L:322mm / W:55mm ; 229g. Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;
c. 1000-1300. Medieval. A lot of five medieval arrowheads (from left to right): 1) barbed triangular arrowhead with pyramidal section and tang; 2) Deltoid oblanceolate arrowhead with long shank and tang; 3) triangular arrowhead with square section, shank and tang; 4) triangular arrowhead with pyramidal section and tang; 5) squat, triangular arrowhead with square section and tang. Arrows were a key part of medieval society both as instruments of war but also as weapons for hunting. One of the most evocative images of arrows as weapons of war appears on the Bayeux Tapestry, where King Harold is depicted after taking an arrow to the eye, leading to the Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD. For further information on arrowheads, see C. Rau (2017) European Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts: From the Bronze Age to the Late Middle Ages. Fair condition. Size: L:40-90mm; 51g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Beautiful bronze ring comprised of a circular hoop, with an octagonal bezel bearing incised decoration in the form of a beast and gently flaring shoulders accented with incised crosshatching. this simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good condition. Size: D: 19.4mm, US: 9 1/2, UK: S1/2; 7.86g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
C. 900 AD, Viking Age. A bronze ring with a circular-shaped hoop and a lozenge-shaped bezel with incised curvilinear decorations. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good condition. Size: D: 19.4mm, US: 9 1/2, UK: S1/2; 4.95g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
C. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze wolf tooth pendant with stylised root decoration and suspension loop at the top. Fenrir (pronounced “FEN-rir;” Old Norse Fenrir, “He Who Dwells in the Marshes”) is the most infamous of the many wolves in Norse mythology. His importance for the pre-Christian Scandinavians is demonstrated by his being depicted on numerous surviving runestones, not to mention his ubiquity in Old Norse literary sources. This pendant may have belonged to a Viking warrior, who wore it as a sign of his prowess in battle. Good condition. Size: H: 40.3mm, W: 18.5mm; 5.34g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK /European art markets.
C. 1000-1500 AD. Crusader Period. Circular bronze pendant bearing a Maltese cross; suspension loop at the top. The Crusades were military expeditions, beginning in the late 11th century, that were organized by western European Christians in response to centuries of Muslim wars of expansion in the Holy Lands. The Cross, 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. The cross that the Crusaders wore on their robes was a symbol of martyrdom, and to die in combat was considered a great honour that assured a place in heaven. Good, wearable condition. Size: H: 24.7mm, W: 19.4mm; 3.44g. Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
C. 1000-1500 AD. Crusader Period. Circular bronze pendant bearing an embossed floral cross within a circle on the obverse and a floral motif on the reverse; suspension loop at the top. The Crusades were military expeditions, beginning in the late 11th century, that were organized by western European Christians in response to centuries of Muslim wars of expansion in the Holy Lands. The Cross, 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. The cross that the Crusaders wore on their robes was a symbol of martyrdom, and to die in combat was considered a great honour that assured a place in heaven. Good, wearable condition. Size: H: 26.8mm, W: 22.1mm; 2.70g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.
Ca.900 AD, Viking Age. Bronze Viking openwork lunar pendant with loop, decorated with incised lines and raised dots (granulations). 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: 28.2mm, W: 30.2mm; 4.70g. Provenance: From an old Oxfordshire collection formed in the 1990s;
C. 1000-1500 AD, Medieval. Elegant circular bronze pendant bearing an embossed floral design within a circle. This elegant item may have belonged to a Medieval lady, perhaps a trader or tavernkeeper’s wife. Good, wearable condition. Size: H: 39.4mm, W: 33.4mm; 8.30g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
Ca. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A rare type of circular bronze pendant with suspension loop. The border of the pendant presents a corded border and the inner part of the pendant comprises weaved bands of decoration which simulate the appearance of wicker. While the Vikings are most commonly known for their prowess in war, they were also skilled in metalworking, as this beautiful piece illustrates well. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Size: H: 30.8mm, W: 24.2mm; 5.06g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s;
Ca. 700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Diamond-shaped bronze amulet with interlocking openwork diamond decoration on the interior and applied bauble on the exterior. While the Vikings are most commonly known for their prowess in war, they were also skilled in metalworking, as this beautiful piece illustrates well. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Good Condition. Size: H: 38.8mm, W: 27.3mm; 3.07g. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1990s.
700-900 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with decoration in the form of incised and boxes and chevrons. In Viking society, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Good condition, beautiful patina Size: H: 45.3mm, W: 61.0mm; 21.31g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Kent gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK /European art markets.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze twisted bracelet comprised strands of bronze woven together and intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Wearable. Size: H: 55.5mm, W: 64.4mm; 23.81g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Kent gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.
C. 900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Beautiful gold cross comprising pyramidal arms formed from four wire coils and terminating in baubles; a suspension loop is attached on the uppermost arm. At the centre of the cross is a circular garnet cabochon. The medieval empire of Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. 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, wearable condition. Size: H:30 mm(with loop), W: 25 mm; 4.30g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.
C. 100 AD, Roman. Well-preserved bronze ring with circular hoop and raised trumpet bezel featuring engraved lion and snake motif. This item may have belonged to a Roman merchant and perhaps served as a signet ring to seal letters. Good condition. Size: D: 17.7mm, US: 7, UK: O; 2.46g. Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.
C. 1000 AD, Viking Age. Silvered bronze ring with D-shaped hoop and raised decoration on the shoulders. The circular bezel features engraved decoration in the form of a stylised raven within a circle. In Norse mythology, Huginn And Muninn are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world, Midgard, and bring information to the god Odin. Good condition; wearable. Size: D: 18.1mm, US: 8, UK: P1/2; 3.27g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
c. 1000-1500 AD, Crusader Period. Rare bronze ring with a thick circular hoop and enormous circular trumpet bezel featuring an incised Star of Bethlehem motif. In the Christian tradition, the Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, revealed the birth of Jesus to the Biblical Magi, and later led them to Bethlehem. The star appears only in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew, where magi "from the east" are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask where the king of the Jews has been born. Herod, following a verse from the book of Micah interpreted as a prophecy, directs them to Bethlehem, a nearby village. The star leads them to the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where they worship him, and give him gifts. It is a symbol often depicted on rings and jewellery during the Medieval period. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 19mm, US: 9, UK: R1/2; 10.1g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
1000 – 600 BC, Bronze Age. This thick and heavy cast bronze bracelet features a D-shaped section. 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: 51.2mm, W: 64.7mm; 55.77g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A fine bronze twisted bracelet comprised strands of bronze woven together and intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Wearable. Size: H: 55.3mm, W: 65.6mm; 23.09g. Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This rare example of a cast bronze sword which has a tapering, bevelled blade with raised midrib, gently flaring shoulders and a recessed integral ibex handle with a crescentic lower guard 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; on a custom-made stand. Size: L:445mm; 446g. Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.
c. 1000-1400 AD. Medieval. A lot of 5 medieval arrowheads (from left to right): 1) elongated, triangular arrowhead with square section, flaring shank and tang; 2) squat, triangular arrowhead with square section and long tang; 3) triangular arrowhead with rounded shoulders, elongated shank and tang; 4) elongated, triangular arrowhead with square section and shank; 5) triangular arrowhead with square section and tang. Arrows were a key part of medieval society both as instruments of war but also as weapons for hunting. One of the most evocative images of arrows as weapons of war appears on the Bayeux Tapestry, where King Harold is depicted after taking an arrow to the eye, leading to the Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD. For further information on arrowheads, see C. Rau (2017) European Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts: From the Bronze Age to the Late Middle Ages. Fair condition. Size: L:58-100mm; 60g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
2nd-early 1st Millennium BC. Greek Bronze Age. Lot of three bronze spearheads; 1) spearhead with triangular-shouldered blade with short neck and long tang; 2) spearhead with leaf-shaped, lentoid-section blade with raised midrib and medium neck and a beautiful green patina; 3) spearhead with short triangular-shaped, barbed blade with a short neck and a medium length 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:57-160mm; 40g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
1200 – 800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. An ancient Greek era cast "Trojan" Bronze Age sword blade with a narrow, rounded-tipped triangular blade; thick sloping midrib; scooped shoulders with lateral flanges and round-section tang with flattened finial. Beautiful green patina. From west Asia to Mainland Greece, bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual contexts. Good condition, on a custom-made stand. Size: L:395mm / W:55mm ; 355g. Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market before 2000.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. 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:440mm; 353g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
800 - 600 BC. Greek. A rare iron hoplite sword with a tapering, bevelled blade, raised midrib, a quillion, and an integral handle with two perforations and aprotruding pin for affixing a grip. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and MainlandGreece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was graduallyreplaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war inGreek Bronze Age societies and served aspowerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earnit, especially the Hoplites. Hoplites were the citizen-soldiers of AncientGreece, where each city state was fiercely independent and could only besustained through the military power of its male inhabitants. Hoplitesprimarily fought using the closed phalanx formation to allow best use of theirfrequently small numbers. For more information on Greek hoplite warfare, seeDonald Kagan and Gregory F. Viggiano (eds., 2013). Men of Bronze: HopliteWarfare in Ancient Greece, Princeton University Press. Good condition. Size: L:270mm / W:70mm ; 164g
1200 – 800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Lot of three bronze spearheads; 1) spearhead with a leaf-shaped, lentoid-section blade with a raised midrib and short tang. 2) spearhead with triangular-shaped, lentoid-section blade with raised midrib, medium neck and tang; 3) spearhead with triangular-shaped, lentoid-section blade with raised midrib, short neck and tang. From west Asia to Mainland Greece, bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. Good condition. Size: 56g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
800-600 BC, Greek Hoplite Period. A beautiful hoplite sword with a tapering, bevelled blade, a slightly raised midrib, a deep, decorative fuller or “blood groove”, and a short tang. This wonderful piece is only made more visually stunning by its fantastic green patina. 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, 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. Superb condition. Size: L:510mm / W:73mm ; 465g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period, Bronze Age. A rare bronze sword with a pointed, bevelled blade, raised midrib and a tubular handle terminating in a large conical bone pommel. 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, on a custom-made stand. Size: L:495mm / W:75mm ; 629g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed in the 1980s.
1200-800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with raised midrib, gently flaring shoulders and a recessed integral ibex handle with a gently flared lower guard. The recessed design would have allowed the entire handle to 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; on a custom stand. Size: L:445mm / W:50mm ; 338g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
1200 – 800 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Lot of three bronze spearheads; 1) spearhead with a triangular-shaped, lentoid-section blade with a raised midrib, short neck and long tang; 2-3) two spearheads with a leaf-shaped, lentoid-section blades with raised midribs and tangs. From west Asia to Mainland Greece, bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. Good condition. Size: L:75-145mm; 68g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
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