Bronze Age Irish Side-Looped Spearhead 2000-1500 BC. A broad lozengiform blade with raised midrib and chevron to each face, expanding socket with lateral loops, lozengiform plates each with an incised saltire; hammered edge bevel. 77 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired antiques fair, Oxford, UK, 1971. Cf. Allen, et al. Metallurgical Reports on British and Irish Bronze Age Weapons in the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, 1970 accession no. 1884,119.633. Sir Richard Ground notes that this is 'the first piece I ever bought. I retain no documents from that period.' Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
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Roman Silvered Bronze Mirror with Silver Handle 3rd-4th century AD. A slightly convex discoid mirror with handle to the reverse formed as two vine leaves joined by a transverse bar with fish-scale detailing. 98 grams, 93mm (3 3/4"). Property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. Fine condition.
Roman Bronze Stylus Pendant with Face 1st-3rd century AD. A round-section tapering shank with bulb above the tip, rectangular block with transverse slits, helmetted head of Minerva(?) with crest forming the suspension loop. 18 grams, 98mm (4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1990s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Roman Bronze Marc Antony and Cleopatra Weight 1st century BC. A cast discoid lead trade weight with boss to the reverse, jugate profile busts of Marc Antony and Cleopatra to the obverse with faint inscription (MONON[..]?) above the heads; mounted on a custom-made stand. 82 grams, 56mm including stand (2 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. Fine condition, cleaned and conserved. Very rare.
Roman Bronze Patera with Ram's Head Handle 1st-2nd century AD. A sheet-bronze pan with rolled rim and raised boss to the centre, cast columnar handle with ram's head finial, palmette to the junction. 1.1 kg, 34.5cm (13 1/2"). Property of a North London collector; acquired in the 1970s. Very fine condition.
Bronze Age Irish Socketted Spearhead 1200-800 BC. A cast bronze spearhead with waisted leaf-shaped blade, round-section tapering midrib extending to the conical socket, lateral holes for pin. 113 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2008; found turf-bog, Cavancarragh (on property of Dr Robert Collum), before 1952. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 388. Accompanied by two handwritten notes (with essentially the same text) on re-used envelopes (postmark dated for 25th July 1946 and 1st August 1952), relating to the discovery. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Romano-British Bronze Urn and Ceramic Cup Burial Group 2nd century AD. A funerary container group comprising: a squat bronze jug with flared rim, remains of attachment of a ferrous handle; within the jug, a small burnished ceramic jar with narrow foot, ribbed neck; beneath the jar, an iron nail. 616 grams total, 8-14cm (3 - 5 1/2"). Ex Lincolnshire collection; found at Beechamwell, Norfolk, UK, 2011. See Alfayé Villa, S. Nails for the Dead: A Polysemic Account of Ancient Funerary Practice, in Magical Practice in the Latin West. Papers from the International Conference Held at the University of Zaragoza 30 Sept - 1 Oct 2005, Leiden, 2010. The Greek (and later, Roman) practice of placing an iron nail in a funerary deposit has been discussed at some length in the scholarly literature. The nails are associated mainly with single cremations. They have been interpreted as talismans designed to protect the dead from the dangers of the journey to the Underworld. More recently, opinion has come to include the notion of the nail as a symbolic 'fixing point', a means of ensuring that the dead person could not return to the world of the living. Both ideas constitute a form of protective magic. [2] Fine condition; bronze vessel dented at base.
Roman Enamelled Bronze Votive Altar 1st-2nd century AD. A hollow-cast miniature altar (or incense burner?) with four splayed legs, panels of enamelled ornament to the sides, peg to each corner of the upper face and central void. 21 grams, 28mm (1"). Found Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, UK. Cf. similar find from South Shields, Northumberland, UK in Allason-Jones, L. & Miket, R. The Catalogue of Small Finds from South Shields Roman Fort, Newcastle, 1984, item 3.1. Fine condition. Extremely rare.
Roman Bronze Swan Oil Lamp 1st-2nd century AD. A hollow-cast lamp in the shape of a swan with short legs, recurved neck, feather detail to the wings and body; discus to the middle of the back with ropework border, nozzle to the tail. 121 grams, 73mm (3"). Property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. Fine condition.
Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Leaf 1st century AD. A slipper-shaped lamp with ovoid base, raised panels flanking the nozzle, discus with loops for a hinged lid (absent); reflector to the rear formed as a vine leaf. 259 grams,14cm (5 1/2"). Ex Harvey collection; acquired by the owner's father during the 2nd World War in Palestine. Fair condition; body cracked and repaired.
Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Bird Lid and Tripod Stand 3rd century AD. A mixed group comprising: a hollow-cast lamp with bulbous body, basal ring, raised lip to the discus, broad nozzle with volute detail, hook and ring to the rear; cast domed lid with a bird modelled in the round; stand comprising a discoid plate, helical ribbed stem, base with three triangular knopped plates and three lion's paw legs. 941 grams, 32.5cm (12 3/4"). Ex Harvey collection; acquired by the owner's father during the 2nd World War in Palestine. [3] Fine condition.
Bronze Age British Socketted Spearhead 1100-700 BC. A large leaf-shaped blade with edge bevels, rounded and keeled midrib with lateral fillets extending to the rims of the rivet holes. 185 grams, 24cm (9 1/2"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Stanley Gibbons, London, 1979. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 383. Sir Richard Ground notes that 'overall it is well-formed and gives the impression of being a carefully made elite piece.' Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
Bronze Age Short Socketted Spearhead 1100-700 BC. A broad leaf-shaped blade with cast bevel to the edges, short socket with lateral rivet holes; the tip bent over in antiquity, from impact. 82 grams, 92mm (3 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2006. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 387. Sir Richard Ground notes that the tip is bent over 'no doubt from an ancient impact.' Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Bronze Age British Spearhead & Sword Fragments Hoard Group 1100-700 BC. A mixed group from a founder's hoard comprising: a small socketted leaf-shaped spearhead with bevelled edge; the edge of a socketted axe; three fragments of spearhead. 157 grams, 38-63mm (1 1/2 - 2 1/2"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2006; found as part of a founder's hoard, near River Thames, London, UK, 1980s. Accompanied by a photograph showing these pieces in company with the rest of the hoard material. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [5, No Reserve] Fair condition.
Bronze Age Greek Pierced-Blade Spearhead 3rd millennium BC. An Aegean leaf-shaped spearhead with raised central panel and median spine extending to the tang; two rectangular slots flanking the spine at the broadest part of the blade; tang bent over with finial knop. 127 grams, 23.5cm (9 1/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK. Cf. Branigan, K. Aegean Metalwork of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, Oxford, 1974, item 457. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition, edges slightly ragged.
Bronze Age Greek Pierced-Blade Spearhead 3rd millennium BC. An Aegean leaf-shaped spearhead with raised central panel and median spine extending to the square-section tang; two rectangular slots flanking the spine at the broadest part of the blade; tang bent over. 98 grams, 19.5cm (7 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK. Cf. Branigan, K. Aegean Metalwork of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, Oxford, 1974, item 457. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Bronze Age Greek and Other Arrowhead Group 2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of cast arrowheads comprising: one large leaf-shaped with thick midrib, barbed and tanged; one small triangular, barbed and with short tang; one leaf-shaped, socketted with thick midrib; one similar with spur to the socket. 44 grams total, 44-115mm (1 3/4 - 4 1/2"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [4, No Reserve] Fine-very fine condition.
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Beast Intaglio 6th-10th century AD. A flat-section hoop with expanding shoulders, elliptical bezel with intaglio motif of a quadruped. 5 grams, 25mm overall, 19.06mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 9, Europe 19.69, Japan 19) (1"). Property of a European gentleman living in the UK; formerly in a private collection formed in the 1990s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Byzantine Bronze Jewish Menorah Multi-Spouted Oil Lamp 5th century AD or later. A hollow-cast polilychnos lamp with D-shaped body, flat bottom, loop handle to the rear with curved thumb-pad and lateral horns modelled in the round; the upper face with seven nozzles to the forward edge and high-relief menorah behind with flanking amphorae. 381 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). From an important North London collection formed before 1980. Very fine condition. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate.
Bronze Age British 'Glenalla' Type Decorated Flat Axe 2000-1800 BC. A large axehead with curved butt, slight lateral flanges, broad flared blade with convex cutting edge; the blade with a distinct facet and median bevel; three zones of applied linear decoration in herringbone, horizontal and vertical formats extending over most of each surface. 466 grams, 17cm (6 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2008; found Feltwell, Norfolk, UK. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 3; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.61-2. Recorded with Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference number PAS SF-9072A6. The PAS report describes the item as a 'Class 4' axe; Sir Richard Ground notes that it belongs to Schmidt & Burgess's Gleballa Type or its eastern English equivalent. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition, edge slightly chipped from use. Rare type, with extensive ornament to surfaces.
Viking Bronze Box Brooch with Interlaced Panels 8th-9th century AD. A hollow-cast drum-shaped brooch with four raised arms and central knop to the upper face; the outer sidewall with four panels of knotwork, dividing panels with hatched motif, D-shaped protrusion; the upper face with dense zoomorphic ornament; pin and catchplate to the reverse, four studs retaining the bottom plate to the upper. 62 grams, 44mm (1 3/4"). Property of a gentleman; formerly in a 19th century collection. Cf. MacGregor, A. et al. A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, item 1.9. Extremely fine condition. A rare type.
Bronze Age Bronze Nenzigen-Reutlingen Type Sword 13th century BC. A slender parallel-sided blade, tapering to the tip, with median flat-section rib and stepped profile; the shoulders straight-sided and angled with lateral flanges extending to flared horns; four rivet holes to the shoulder and three larger to the hilt centre. 414 grams, 56.5cm (22 1/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired London gallery 2004; previously with Christie's, sale 5524, lot 17 (part); ex Axel Guttman Collection, AG 1025. Cf. Cowen, J. D. The Earliest Bronze Swords in Britain and Their Origins on the Continent of Europe, Proceedings of Prehistoric Society vol.17, 1951; Burgess, C. & Colquhoun, I. The Swords of Britain, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IV, vol.5, Munich, 1988, items 59-61. The sword-type is called in Continental literature 'Nenzigen' but in more recent work by Burgess & Colqhoun they are described as 'Reutlingen' type. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition. Small repair to tip of the hilt.
Bronze Age Irish Bronze 'Falkland' Type Flat Axe 1950-1850 BC. A substantial flat axe with square butt, median transverse bevel, flared blade with broad convex cutting edge; integral chevron facets to each narrow side, shallow flanges with hammering to sides. 661 grams, 18cm (7"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 15215, lot 294 (part), 26 April 2007; from the estate of Hugh Stanley Russell; collected 1950-1970; found Northern Ireland. Cf. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.62-3. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; one tip of blade absent (casting flaw), edge slightly notched from use.
Bronze Age British Bronze Plain Axehead 2200-2000 BC. A cast rectangular-section axehead tapering to the asymmetrical and convex cutting edge. 440 grams, 11.5cm (4 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2006, reputed to have been found on the North Yorkshire Wolds, Yorkshire, UK. Cf. similar British finds of Castletown/Pitlochrie Type in Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, items 1-6. Sir Richard Ground included this European axe in his collection as a companion-piece to early British examples. It was sold as having been found in the North Yorkshire Wolds, but this is 'highly unlikely'. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
Viking Silver Female Diadem Ornament Group 10th-12th century AD. A mixed group of ornamental pendants from a female headdress comprising: four silver rumbler bells, each with flat-section hoop and coiled wire band to the equator; a hollow gilt-bronze dangle, spherical with flat-section loop, filigree and granule geometric ornament to the lower body, pyramid of granules beneath; Baltic workmanship. 55 grams total, 29-42mm (1 - 1 3/4"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, items 15, 17. [5, No Reserve] Fair condition; some distortion.
Bronze Age British 'Aylesford' Type Decorated Flat Axe 2000-1500 BC. A large flared flat-section axehead with slightly convex cutting edge, rounded butt; to one face, three rows of lightly incised bilinear chevrons. 618 grams, 16.5cm (6 1/2"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2007; found Lincolnshire, UK. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 29; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.60. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; surfaces a little pitted and chipped. Rare.
Bronze Age British 'Aylesford' Type Flat Axe 2000-1500 BC. A small flared flat-section axehead with convex cutting edge, square butt; slight thickening at sides (from hammering?), median swelling to each face and facet below the edge. 265 grams, 10.5cm (4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2006; found near Taverham, Suffolk, UK, 1990. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 29; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.60. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition, lightly pitted surfaces.
Bronze Age British 'Migdale' Type Decorated Flat Axe 2200-1950 BC. A Scottish straight-sided flat axe with thin curved butt, facet to the blade with slightly convex cutting edge; decorated with 'rain pattern' (vertical strokes) to both faces. 438 grams, 15.5cm (6"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Valued History, 2006; formely with Simon Camm; reportedly found Banffshire, Scotland. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 19; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.35. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; butt chipped and slightly deformed from impact, edge with use wear.
Bronze Age British 'Migdale' Type Flat Axe 2200-2000 BC. A pelta-shaped flat blade with shallow convex cutting edge, square butt; slight facet to blade. 482 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2009. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 2. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Viking Gilt-Bronze Trefoil Brooch 9th-10th century AD. A cast trefoil brooch with pelletted border, discoid central boss and knotwork; slightly dished in profile, catchplate and pin-lug to the reverse. 37 grams, 53mm (2"). Found Saxby, Lincolnshire, UK, in 1978. Cf. Hammond, B. British Artefacts vol.2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010, item 1.1.5-a. Fine condition, worn.
Viking Bronze Bird Brooch 10th-11th century AD. A flat-section plate brooch in the form of an advancing bird, ring-and-dot detail to the eye, chest and foot; catchplate to the reverse. 6.91 grams, 36mm (1 1/2"). Found Dragonby, Lincolnshire, UK. Cf. Hammond, B. British Artefacts vol.2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010, item 1.1.3-b. Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Borre Brooch 10th-11th century AD. A flat-section disc brooch with central circular void and band of Borre Style tendril ornament; remains of pin-lugs and catchplate to the reverse. 6.20 grams, 28mm (1"). Found near Wragby, Lincolnshire, UK. Cf. West, S. A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998, figure 134, item 8. Fine condition.
Viking Gilt-Bronze Dragon Brooch 11th-12th century AD. A domed disc brooch with pin-lugs to the reverse; chamfered border surrounding a stylised beast in S-profile, head placed over the arched back. 6.58 grams, 24mm (1"). Found near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Cf. similar beasts on pendants from the Baltic and its hinterland in Korshyn, V.E. Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items J-13, J-14. Fine condition.
Bronze Age British 'Bandon' Type Flat Axe 1900-1700 BC. A cast axe with square butt, flared blade with convex cutting edge; shallow hammered lateral flanges and stop-ridge. 199 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2005. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 8; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.65-7. Sir Richard Ground notes that the lateral flanges show hammer facets, indicating that they were hammered in rather than cast. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Decorated Omega Brooch 12th century AD. A Mordvinian round-section penannular brooch with parallel plaque extensions, panels of reserved scrolled foliage, hole to one corner for attachment of a chain; round-section pin coiled around the hoop. 12 grams, 56mm (2 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1990s. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, p.292. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Viking Bronze Penannular Brooch 9th-12th century AD. A lozenge-section penannular shank with perpendicular facetted square terminals; two bands of punched triangles to the upper face, each with a dot to each angle; pellets to the terminals; round-section pin with flattened end coiled around the shank, punched pellet detailing; Baltic workmanship. 28 grams, 59mm (2 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1990s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Penannular Brooch 9th-12th century AD. A substantial D-section penannular brooch with flared terminals, bands of transverse rib detail; lentoid-section pin with flat end coiled around the shank, punched linear decoration. 39 grams, 53mm (2"). Private collection, UK; formed in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Viking Gilt-Bronze Trefoil Mount with Beast-Head 11th century AD. A domed mount with central boss and originally three radiating arms, to the lower edge a beast-head with triangular ears, raised fillet to the muzzle and pellet eyes; two studs to the reverse. 8.70 grams, 34mm (1 1/2"). Property of a German collector; acquired in the 1990s. Cf. beast-head detail on an Anglo-Scandinavian mount in Backhouse, J., Turner, D.H. & Webster, L. The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Art: 966-1066, London, 1984, item 108. Fine condition.
Viking Gilt-Bronze Belt Mount Group 8th-12th century AD. A mixed group comprising: a waisted plaque with incised loop detail, pins to the reverse; a D-section bar with bulb finial, linear rib to the upper face, knops to the sides; a tongue-shaped plaque with pelletted border, ovolo bands to the centre. 24 grams, 30 - 50mm (1 1/4 - 2"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [3] Fine condition.
Viking Gilt-Bronze Belt Furniture Group 10th-11th century AD. A belt suite comprising: two rectangular plaques, each with a sliding plate to the underside, s-coiled billetted serpent motif in low relief; tongue-shaped strap end with knop finial, openwork to the rear, low-relief scrolled palmette detailing; Baltic workmanship. 25 grams, 23 - 62mm (1 - 2 1/2"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. Fine condition.
Viking Gilt-Bronze and Silver Belt Mount Group 10th-12th century AD. A mixed group comprising: a discoid mount with beaded-wire kolovrat symbol, central knop; a domed plaque with central knop, radiating curves; a domed plaque with central knop, radiating curves, pelletted border; Baltic workmanship. 27 grams, 30 - 33mm (1 1/4"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. Mainly fine condition.
Bronze Age British Flat Axehead Pair 1900-1700 BC. A group of two, small flat axes of flared profile, the longer with a curved butt and the shorter with a flat butt. 228 grams total, 9-10.5cm (3 1/2 - 4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 1. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [2, No Reserve] Fine condition, one with edge part blunted from use.
Viking Gilt-Bronze Belt Fitting Group 9th-12th century AD. A mixed group comprising: an arrowhead plaque with pins and roves to the reverse; a D-shaped plaque with palmette detail; a buckle-loop with running scroll motifs; an openwork piriform plaque; a discoid plaque with reserved star motif; a leaf-shaped plaque. 21 grams total, 20 - 39mm (3/4 - 1 1/2"). Property of a German collector; acquired in the 1990s. [6] Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Upsilon Cosmetic Hanger 9th-12th century AD. A cast anchor-shaped mount with three large sewing holes to the upper end, beast-head finials. 4.54 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Property of a German collector; acquired in the 1990s. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate XXX, item 4. Very fine condition.
Viking Bronze Punch-Decorated Ring 9th-11th century AD. A discoid plaque with tapering extensions overlapped to form the hoop; raised ropework median and edge bands, rows of pellet-in-triangle punchmarks; Baltic workmanship. 5.31 grams, 23mm overall, 19.58mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20) (1"). UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. See Lehtosalo-Hilander, P-L., Luistari II The Artefacts, Helsinki, 1982, p.122-8. Very fine condition.
Viking Bronze Openwork Ring 9th-11th century AD. A hoop formed from a penannular plaque, coiled and with the terminals scarf-jointed; the plaque formed as a symmetrical arrangement of triangles and flanking D-shaped plates, pierced and with pelletted borders, median ribbed band extending to the shoulders. 6.29 grams, 23mm overall, 15.15mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7) (1/2"). Found Cambridgeshire, UK. Extremely fine condition, slight distortion.
Viking Bronze Snake Ring 9th-11th century AD. A coiled wire rod with one flattened snake-head terminal. 3.7 grams, 28mm overall, 24.38mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+6, USA 15 1/2, Europe 36.69, Japan 35) (1"). Acquired on the London art market prior to 1980. Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Twisted Torc with Loop Terminals 9th-14th century AD. A large Chepetsky culture neck-ring formed from twisted rods with looped ends. 266 grams, 21cm (8 1/4"). Acquired on the English art market prior to 1980. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, p.309, item 32. Extremely fine condition.
Baltic Viking Bronze Neck-Ring 9th-14th century AD. A large Baltic Chepetsky culture neck-ring formed from twisted rods with looped ends. 311 grams, 21cm (8 1/4"). Ex Swedish private collection formed in the 1980s. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, p.309, item 32. Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Twisted Neck Torc 9th-14th century AD. A large Chepetsky culture neck-ring formed from twisted rods with looped ends. 106 grams, 14.5cm (5 3/4"). Property of a London collector, acquired before 1970. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, p.309, item 32. Very fine condition.
Viking Bronze Decorated Bracelet 9th-12th century AD. A heavy cast penannular bracelet with panels of hatched linear and grid ornament, punched pellets and points; edges chamfered; Baltic workmanship. 57 grams, 64mm (2 1/2"). UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. Cf. bracelets in the Alvara hoard in Hårdh, B. Silver in the Viking Age. A Regional-Economic Study, in Acta Archaeologica Lundensia, no.25, p.159. Extremely fine condition.
Bronze Age Irish 'Balbirnie' Type Decorated Flanged Axe 1750-1550 BC. A substantial axehead with square butt, slightly divergent sides and flared blade with very broad convex cutting edge; the lateral flanges broad with hammered 'triple herringbone' decoration; median curved stop and two concentric grooves at the base of the flanges, facet below; marked to one face 'THAMES AT WINDSOR' and red collector's sticker '215'. 474 grams, 14.5cm (5 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Windsor, UK. Cf. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.70-1. Sir Richard Ground notes: 'The piece appears to belong to type Balbirnie, an Irish type roughly equivalent to the Arreton phase [in] southeastern Britain. That does not rule out the Thames provenance: see for instance Museum of London C1140 from the Broadness hoard, and 49.107/809 from Weybridge.' Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
Viking Bronze Pendant with Regardant Beast 11th century AD. A cast discoid pendant with pierced lobe above; pelletted border enclosing a regardant beast with raised tail, pelletted column above the back. 3.04 grams, 28mm (1"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. Cf. Korshyn, V.E. Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, item J-37. Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Kolovrat Sun-Wheel Pendant 9th-12th century AD. A Slavic cast discoid pendant in high-tin bronze with integral loop; central boss with kolovrat symbol of seven radiating arms, scrolls with pellet finials, within a raised border. 9.36 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). Property of a European gentleman living in Northamptonshire. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, p.250, item 19. Fine condition.
Viking Bronze Pendant with Interlace 11th century AD. A discoid pendant with pierced lug above, pelletted border with geometric design of four pelletted loops and central boss. 2.30 grams, 27mm (1"). Property of a German collector; acquired in the 1990s. Cf. Korshyn, V.E. Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, item K.6.04. Fine condition.
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