There are 350105 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe2nd millennium BC. A mixed bronze group comprising: a snaffle bit with dentilled slots; two cheek pieces each with three loops and scooped finial; two discoid harness mounts;a hook with T-bar mounting; a V-shaped slider mount; four domed quatrefoil mounts with loop to the underside. 416 grams total, 2.4-21cm (1 - 8 1/4"). From a private collection; previously in an old central Asian collection; acquired in the late 1940s. [11, No Reserve] Fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A substantial bronze palstave axehead of Flanged Type with leaf-shaped lateral flanges and square butt, mid-stop with deep ledge, flared blade with curved edge. Cf. Schmidt, P.K. and Burgess, C.B., The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab.IX, vol.7, Munich, 1981, item 739. 696 grams, 16cm (6 1/2"). Property of a Norfolk collector; acquired on the UK art market; believed found in the Cirencester area, UK, before 2000. Fine condition.
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 BC. A bronze figure of Neferhotep advancing on a rectangular base, holding Uas sceptre bearing the head of the animal of the god Seth in the left hand, right arm held rigid by the side with clenched fist, pleated kilt to the loins, ribbed collar; the head with arrayed hanks of hair, false beard, lentoid wire rims to the eyes (to accept glass or other inserts?), Pschent crown with uraeus above the brow; mounted on a custom-made stand. A similar figure forms part of the Brooklyn Museum, USA, collection, item 08.480.50.344 grams total, 17cm including stand (6 1/2"). From an important London collection; formerly in the private collection of Mrs Bogaert, formed 1949, Ghent, near Brussels, Belgium.Fine condition; left arm repaired.
5th-1st century BC. A group of two bronze votive animal figures, one a boar with pricked ears and the other a bovine. 67 grams total, 37-50cm (1 1/2 - 2"). Property of an Essex collector; acquired on the UK art market; formerly in an early 1990s private collection. [2, No Reserve] Fair condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A bronze Marcoman warrior applique depicting a seated Germanic prisoner, the body gathered with his hands bound to the front with heavy chains, dressed in tunic and breeches, with fur cloak on his shoulders, long hair and beard, probably part of a scene of Roman victory over the Barbarians. Similar specimen in Rolland H., Bronze Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, p.102, no.188. 37 grams, 37m (1 1/2"). From a private Netherlands collection; previously in an old collection since before 1980. The representation of Germanic warrior prisoners began on military appliques from the 1st century AD, especially in the shape of mounts for horse breast protections (Baltea), and spread especially during the Marcomannic Wars of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius; this applique points to the representation of a Marcoman Warrior, compared with the representation of the same Barbarian typology as figured on high Roman monuments, like the Sarcophagus of Portonaccio in the Museo Nazionale Romano. Fine condition.
1st century AD. A bronze figure of a seated rider in cloak and high boots, right arm raised and with hole through hand for insertion of lance. Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 457. 26.3 grams, 48mm (2"). From a home counties collection, formed 1970-1980. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
3rd-1st century BC. A group of three bronze proto-money or harness rings comprising one plain, one with hatched edges, one with faux-rope decoration. 31.2 grams total, 29-31mm (1 1/4"). From a private Netherlands collection; previously in an old collection since before 1980. [3] Fine condition.
5th-1st century BC. A group of two bronze figures, each with lozengiform heads, collar to the neck, stub arms and tapering lower body. 22.9 grams total, 43-45mm (1 3/4"). Property of an Essex collector; acquired on the UK art market; formerly in an early 1990s private collection. [2, No Reserve] Fair condition.
1st century AD. A bronze circular mount with a bordered circumference of niello and an inner circle composed of triangular niello, around diamond sections of silver inlay; long expanding knop protruding from the centre; rectangular-section reverse, through which a belt would have been fed. 7.15 grams, 21mm (3/4"). From an old English collection; acquired on the UK art market. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
9th-12th century AD. A crescentic pierced wolf's tooth pendant with root; bronze suspension ring with coiled terminals. Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.LVIII, item 10. 9 grams, 37mm (1 1/2"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
7th-8th century AD. A bronze belt mount of rectangular form, pierced at each corner; openwork design of an advancing griffin, inked 91.420.4 to the reverse. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period - Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item II.4.2.3. 7.83 grams, 35mm (1 1/4"). From an important London collection, acquired 1991, inventory no.91.420.4 / cat.2063. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A bronze brooch pin comprising a tapering round-section shank, open loop to the reverse, lyre-shaped head with Ringerike Style three-band interlace design. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, table 43(7), for type. 31 grams, 18.5cm (7 1/4"). From a UK collection; acquired on the London art market in 2004. Fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A knife with single-edged swept iron blade, bronze handle with low-relief Jellinge Style interlaced ornament to sides and end-cap. Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate XII, item 9, plate X, item 22. 77.6 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). From a London W1, UK, collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
10th-12th century AD. A sheet bronze lozengiform plaque with five roundels to the centre and outer rouletted bands, two meander antennae with coiled finials. 4.95 grams, 53mm (2"). From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
11th century AD. A bronze stirrup mount of unusual form with rectangular plaque, scooped shoulders, central suspension bar pierced at the upper edge, incised Ringerike-style serpents motif, angled ledge; ferrous remains to the reverse at the ledge and neck. Cf. Williams, D., Late Saxon Stirrup-Strap Mounts, York, 1997, item 479. 25.1 grams, 56mm (2 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. The mount is related to William's Class B but is one of a small number of aberrant or unusual examples with unique features. Fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. A bronze pendant formed as a coiled serpent, possibly representing Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent; punched scale decoration to the body and suspension loop. 10.4 grams, 52mm (2"). From an important central London collection; previously in a European collection in the 1990s; formerly acquired on the German art market in the early 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Early 6th century AD. A bronze radiate-headed bow brooch with D-shaped headplate and concentric circular patterns, radiating lugs to the upper edge, shallow bow with vertical ribs; a tongue-shaped footplate with concentric circular patterns; pierced lugs and catch to the reverse. 44.4 grams, 14.2cm (5 1/2"). Private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK; acquired prior to 2000. [No Reserve] Fair condition.
9th-11th century AD. A bronze ring with D-section hoop, discoid bezel with fylfot. 1.84 grams, 22.07mm overall, 19.28mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19) (3/4"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. [No Reserve] Fine condition, hoop split.
9th-11th century AD. A group of three bronze neck-torcs comprising: a large torc with twisted round-section shank, looped terminals, one absent; a large torc with twisted shank, hooked and plaque terminals; a small torc with looped terminals. 208 grams total, 14.6-19.5cm (5 3/4 - 7 3/4"). Private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK; acquired prior to 2000. [3] Fair condition.
6th-8th century AD. A bronze openwork harness pendant with punched geometric border, openwork radiating sun with raised bosses to the centre; pierced lug above and to the rear. 36.9 grams, 62mm (2 1/2"). From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
8th-12th century AD. An iron firesteel with bronze handle formed as two opposing dragons, each biting its own tail forming the loops. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.144, item 2. 21.8 grams, 49mm (2"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
11th-12th century AD. A bronze Anglo-Saxon or slightly later bracelet finial with hatched shank, transverse bar, discoid finial with reserved motif of six radiating pierced triangles. 12.1 grams, 38mm (1 1/2"). Property of a UK gentleman; acquired on the London art market in 2004; previously in a 1980s collection. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
12th-14th century AD. A group of four bronze Viking inspired omega brooches comprising: two with geometric faux granule detail to both flanges; one with faux granule detail and pierced lugs to the outer edges, four wire pendant hangers, one with a pierced coin pendant; one with faux ropework decoration, two pierced lugs with wire pendant hangers. See Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XLIV, item 11. 58.8 grams total, 56-64mm (2 1/4 - 2 1/2"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. [4] Fine condition.
11th century AD. A bronze openwork cruciform pendant formed as four loops with pellets between borders, integral loop; Baltic workmanship. Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate 27. 4.9 grams, 35mm (1 1/2"). From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. A two-part gilt bronze pendant comprising a figure-of-eight loop with a beast-head pendant, the beast with open jaws, holding a suspension loop for a discoid face mask pendant. 7.8 grams, 80mm (3"). From an important central London collection; previously in a European collection in the 1990s; formerly acquired on the German art market in the early 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
10th-13th century AD. A large bronze twisted neck-ring with looped terminals. See Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987. 135 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). From an important private family collection of arms and armour; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s, and thence by descent. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
8th-9th century AD. A flat-section bronze strap end narrowing to a beast-head terminal with triangular ears placed flat along the sides, ridged brow, scalloped muzzle and rounded nose; separate plate with two pins soldered to the underside, to trap the leather or fabric strap to which it was attached. See Thomas, G., Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-Age Strap Ends 750-1100 - Part 1, Finds Research Group Datasheet 32, 2003. 4.49 grams, 41mm (1 1/2"). Found Suffolk, UK. This form is similar to Thomas's Class B Type 4 but lacks the multi-head feature of that type. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A gilt-bronze mount comprising a raised border enclosing a procession of Style II animal shapes forming a chain; two attachment pins to the reverse. Cf. Menghin, W., Das Schwert im Fruehen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, item 77, map 11. 3 grams, 26mm (1"). Found in Thetford, Norfolk, UK, in 1997. Decorative mounts of this form were often used to enliven sword-belts and scabbards, as for example on the sword from Grave 92 at Erding, Germany. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
10th century AD. A flat-section bronze bifacial plaque depicting a standing female in profile in pleated skirt and headdress, holding a drinking horn in her extended hands, pierced lug to the reverse, with suspension loop. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Graber, Uppsala, 1940, fig.92, items 8,10. 3.1 grams, 35mm (1 1/2"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. Representations of female figures holding drinking horns have often been referred to as Valkyries. Although it is impossible to verify this identification securely, it is highly tempting to make the connection between Valkyries and serving of a magical drink in myths. Drinking horns, popular in modern pictures of Vikings, were probably used only during special occasions, such as greeting important guests, celebrations or seasonal holidays. They were closely connected to the aristocracy, not only by virtue of their material value, but also as a result of their social and ritual roles. As M.J. Enright points out, it is probable that Germanic tribes adapted the concept of the military group, which played an important role in strengthening the bond between a king/chief and warriors from Celts in the age of Roman expansion. In a Germanic environment, this concept was slightly modified, and the serving of a drink by a noble/spiritual woman under the supervision of king/chief was viewed as a cultic act to strengthen the bond in that specific group, with the god Woden (Odin) as a patron (see Lady with a Mead Cup: Ritual, Prophecy and Lordship in the European Warband from La Tène to the Viking Age"). In later sources, especially the Icelandic Eddas, we can find several examples of goddesses serving or preparing a drink. Hel is waiting for Balder with mead in her realm of death, the giantess Gunnloð is the guardian of the magic mead (later stolen by Odin) or Freyr's bride-to-be Gerð serving a drink to Skirnir as an act of welcome and also reconciliation. The connection between a giantess and a magic drink is strong, as the goddess Freya asks another giantess, Hyndlja, to serve a magic beer to her protégée Ottar. We can also find a reference to a minor goddess Beyla, servant of god Freyr, whose name can be a reference to a 'bee' thus connecting her to preparation of an 'ordinary mead'. In Asgard (the realm of the gods) goddesses Sif and Freya served the drink as an act of peace and conciliation, but it had no magical attributes. Women with drinking horns are also depicted on the famous Gotland picture stones either greeting a rider on a horse, approaching a bounded figure in a snake (?) pit (possibly Gunnarr or Ragnar Lodbrok) or serving a drink to a hero (possibly Sigurd"). The connection with rider scenes is one of the main reasons for identifying them as Valkyries, the servants of Odin choosing the one who will die on a battlefield and go to Valhalla. It is possible that we observe the same ritual 'bonding' between fallen warrior and his king, Odin. An alternative identification for these female figures might be lesser deities. As R.Simek pointed out, the majority of small female figures have no drinking horn, but are richly adorned, and most likely represent minor fertility goddesses. These goddesses are named in the Eddas as servants of Frigg and Freya, but originate in the much older tradition of the so-called matrones, known from the late Roman period. Whether fertility goddess or Valkyrie, the image of a noble 'lady with a drinking horn' had a special meaning developed through centuries, making it one of the most distinctive and mysterious features of Viking culture. Fine condition.
12th-14th century AD. A group of four bronze Viking inspired omega brooches comprising: two with faux granule detail to both flanges; two with faux granule detail and pierced lugs to the outer edges, one with a loose blue glass bead pendant. See Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate XLIV, item 11. 59.8 grams total, 55-74mm (2 - 3"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. [4] Fair condition.
9th-11th century AD. A group of three bronze bracelets comprising: one formed from plaited thin rods, hammered tapering finials; a bracelet formed from a thin rod, doubled and twisted forming looped finials; a substantial twisted and coiled bracelet with snake-head finials. 86 grams total, 63-81mm (2 1/2 - 3 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1990s. [3, No Reserve] Fine condition.
12th-14th century AD. A pair of Viking inspired bronze omega penannular brooches comprising a round-section hoop and two trapezoidal plate finials each with a geometric design of filigree loops; round-section pin coiled to the hoop. See Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XLIV, item 11. 36.8 grams total, 58-61mm (2 1/4"). Property of a professional gentleman, acquired 2011; formerly in a private collection formed before 1950. [2, No Reserve] Fine condition.
10th-12th century AD. A bronze penannular brooch with interlaced scroll-work and domed decorated finials; round-section pin with flat band and beast head. 15.2 grams, 43mm (1 3/4"). From a London W1, UK, collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
6th century AD. A gilt bronze mount with a plain central bar connecting two rectangular panels with chip-carved Salin's Style I zoomorphic decoration. See Smith, R.A., British Museum Guide to Anglo-Saxon Antiquities, London, 1923, p.98. 5 grams, 37mm (1 1/2"). From an old English collection; found UK. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A bronze pendant with facing seated figure, probably the goddess Freya, her hands raised to grip strands of hair, recessed eyes; partial suspension loop above. 3.66 grams, 41mm (1 1/2"). From a London W1, UK, collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [No Reserve] Fair condition.
5th-7th century AD. A richly decorated gilt bronze bow brooch comprising a rectangular headplate and bow, the headplate comprising a median rectangular panel with inset cabochon garnet and thick raised border surrounded by a U-shaped panel of Style I decoration, with a flat narrow border with punched chevron detailing; carinated bow with a median rib; pin-lug is partly present on the reverse. Cf. MacGregor, A. and Bolick, E., A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), BAR British Series 230, 1993, p.123, item 14.9, for the small square-headed brooches from Chatham Lines, Kent. 10.24 grams, 32.74mm (1 1/4"). From an old English collection; acquired on the UK art market. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Late 11th century AD. A Class A, Type 1, bronze stirrup mount with incised design with silver wire inlay which stands slightly proud of the worn surface; top chipped with replacement hole below for continued use. Williams, D., Late Saxon Stirrup-Strap Mounts: A Classification and Catalogue, p.28-29, no.12 (this mount"). 12.6 grams, 40mm (1 5/8"). Found Stanwick, Northamptonshire, UK, before 1995; accompanied by a letter discussing the mount from David Williams author of Late Saxon Stirrup-Strap Mounts, dated 1995, being only the third example of this type recorded from Northants, and a museum quality drawing of the mount for publication. [No Reserve] Fair condition.
10th-13th century AD. A bronze twisted penannular neck torc with tapering terminals. See Lehtosalo-Hilander, P-L., Luistari: A History of Weapons and Ornaments, Helsinki, 2000. 89 grams, 17.5cm (7"). From an important private family collection of arms and armour; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s, and thence by descent. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
10th-12th century AD. A fragment of a bronze scabbard chape formed as a D-shaped panel with ribbed detailing, two vestigial limbs and profile head with lentoid eye. 7.95 grams, 40mm (1 1/2"). Property of an English gentleman; formerly in a collection formed in the 2000s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
6th century AD. A gilt bronze small square-headed bow brooch with rectangular head plate with concentric raised borders, the median one notched, the bow is shallow with longitudinal ribbed detailing, lozengiform footplate with remains of discoid lobes to the sides, foot missing, two addorsed Style I bird-heads. to the shoulders, pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse. Cf. MacGregor, A. and Bolick, E., A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 14.7. 10.14 grams, 43.34mm (1 3/4"). From an important London collection, acquired 1989, inventory no.89.8 / cat.2040. Very fine condition, foot chipped.
9th-11th century AD. A large bronze polyhedral weight with punched annulets to the square faces and three annulets to the triangular ones, most faces with a pentagon. 299 grams, 35mm (1 1/2"). Ex an important Dutch collection; acquired on the European art market in the 1970s. Very fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. A gilt bronze pendant with separate suspension loop, the obverse with entwined serpent, possibly Jörmungandr, with stamped pellets and ropework border; the reverse with a runic '?'. 24.4 grams, 66mm (2 1/2"). From an important central London collection; previously in a European collection in the 1990s; formerly acquired on the German art market in the early 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A gilt-bronze plate brooch formed as a segmented wheel with beast-head finials to the spokes, central cell, pin-lugs and catch to the reverse with pierced lug attachment for a chain. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Graber, Uppsala, 1940, fig. 63, item 2. 7.01 grams, 28mm (1"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. Fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. An openwork bronze plate brooch resembling a radiate-headed brooch with two knop finials, two curving horse-heads flanking the headplate, opposing horse-heads on either side of the footplate. 23.5 grams, 96mm (3 3/4"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Loading...
