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Lot 158

100-200 AD. Roman. A set of two bone dice with carefully carved dot-in-circle pips which are typical of dice of the Roman period. Games involving were played throughout the Roman world, but the some of the biggest gamers were soldiers, who would have whiled away the long hours on watch duty by duodecim scripta, an ancestor of modern backgammon. These beautiful dice would probably have belonged to one such soldier, who served to defend the frontiers of an empire which at its peak stretched from Northern Britain to the Middle East. Good condition; Size: L:SET OF 2: 8mm, 12mm / W:12mm, 13mm ; 5.2g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 160

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze twisted bracelet comprising several strands of bronze woven together with loop terminals. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. Excellent condition. Size: L:60mm / W:77mm ; 47.6g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.

Lot 169

c. 900-1100 AD. Viking Age. Twisted gold ring comprising of circular hoop comprised of interwoven strands of gold. This ring was intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 18.61mm / US: 8 5/8 / UK: R; 10.3g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.

Lot 172

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A bronze pendant comprising a stylised openwork dragon-shaped handle on the upper part and below it a comb with long, pointed teeth. Extensive dot-in-circle motifs cover much of the surface of the object. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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.Both men and women wore long hair among the Vikings, and it is therefore possible that this beautiful piece belonged to a well-groomed Viking warrior. Excellent condition; beautiful patina. Size: L:46mm / W:70mm ; 36.2g; Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed before 2000.

Lot 180

c. 900-1100 AD. Viking Age. Twisted silver ring comprising of circular hoop comprised of interwoven strands of silver which were melded into a single strand at the shoulders. This ring was intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. All samples correspond to the metal content of the period specified; no modern trace elements were detected in the patina; expertly cleaned and conserved. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 17.4mm / US: 7 / UK: O; 5.1g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.

Lot 182

1100-1300 AD, Medieval. Ring with D-shaped hoop and flattened, round bezel featuring incised decorationof two facing dragons. Dragons are an important part of medieval folklore and appear frequently in heraldic motifs. 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 during the 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; Size: D: 19.84mm / US: 10 / UK: T1/2; 9.7g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.

Lot 187

500-600 AD. Gothic. Silver gilt radiate bow brooch, with semi-circular head featuring seven radiating knobs; the head is connected by an arched bow to a polygonal plate. The whole of the front of the brooch is covered with incised geometric motifs; the reverse is undecorated. The Goths were a Germanic people who conquered much of what is now Spain, southern France and Italy in the later 5th century, marking the passage of the Roman world into the Early Middle Ages. They are particularly known for their distinctive metalwork, including brooches, belt sets and jewellery. Excellent condition.Size: L:82mm / W:56mm ; 31.5g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 208

1100-1300 AD, Medieval. Bronze ring with D-shaped hoop and flattened, octagonal bezel featuring incised decorationdepicting a lion holding a sword under an elaborate crown. 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 during the 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. Excellent condition; Size: D: 19.31mm / US: 9 3/8 / UK: S1/2; 11.5g; Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK /European art markets.

Lot 212

1100-1300 AD. Medieval. Bronze ring with D-shaped hoop and flattened, circular bezel featuring incised decoration depicting a a wolf and a dragon. 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 during the 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. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 15.53mm / US: 4 3/4 / UK: J1/4; 3.5g; Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market before 2000.

Lot 220

100-300 AD. Roman. A set of two bone dice with carefully carved dot-in-circle pips which are typical of dice of the Roman period. Games involving were played throughout the Roman world, but the some of the biggest gamers were soldiers, who would have whiled away the long hours on watch duty by duodecim scripta, an ancestor of modern backgammon. These beautiful dice would probably have belonged to one such soldier, who served to defend the frontiers of an empire which at its peak stretched from Northern Britain to the Middle East. Good condition; Size: L:set of 2: 11mm, 12mm / W:10mm, 11mm ; 3g; Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.

Lot 230

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A gold coiled ring comprising a circular hoop formed from a strand of gold with coiled terminals and trailings ends which wrap back around the hoop. This ring is intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition; wearable; Size: D: 16.51mm / US: 6 / UK: M; 9.4g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.

Lot 234

900-1100 AD, Viking Age. A silver example of a double axe or Perun amulet comprising a suspension loop and a double sided stylised axe head. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counter part to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Excellent condition, wearable.Size: L:20mm / W:12mm ; 2.4g; Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1990s.

Lot 239

C. 100-300 AD. Roman. A silver ring with a D-shaped hoop and flattened, circular plate bezel. The engraved design on the bezel depicts a standing personification of Roma, the city of Roma, who wears a plumed helmet, while holding a spear in one hand and a winged victory in the other, symbolising her dominion over the whole of the Roman empire. This beautiful item may once have belonged to a Roman military officer. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 18.35mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q1/2; 3.9g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1990s;

Lot 240

1100-1300 AD. Medieval. A heavy silver heraldic ring with a drop-shaped hoop and a hexagonal plate bezel with small triangular cutaways. The plate and shoulders are covered in interlocking engraved spiral motifs. 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 during the 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. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 17.45mm / US: 7 1/4 / UK: O1/2; 13.2g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1970s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 258

C. 900-1100 AD. Viking Period. This beautiful bronze torc has simple strand design with a an abstract sub-square serpent’s head terminal at one end and a hook at the together. This piece is made even more stunning by its beautiful patina. Torcs are found in many European cultures c. the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD. However, these elaborate items of jewellery made a reappearance during the Viking period c. 900-1100 AD perhaps due to their twisting nature which recalls Loki’s snake/dragon son Jormungand who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard. Torcs such as this one would also have served as important symbols of rank and wealth. Superb condition; wearable.Size: L:158mm / W:186mm ; 74g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.

Lot 25B

Ca. 700 AD. Tang Dynasty. Rossete shaped bronze mirror with an intricate relief depicting repeating flying birds and entertwined floral motifs on the reverse, as well as small loop for suspension. The birds' feathers are picked out individually indicating the many hours of workmanship which must have been spent on making this piece. The Tang dynasty ruled most of China between AD 618 and 907, and this period is widely viewed as an era of progress and stability, during which many scientific and artistic advances were made. This beautiful mirror may have belonged to a noble lady who lived under the Tang. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition.Size: L:180mm / W:185mm ; 735g; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.

Lot 280

100-200 AD. Roman. A set of two bone dice with carefully carved dot-in-circle pips which are typical of dice of the Roman period. Games involving were played throughout the Roman world, but the some of the biggest gamers were soldiers, who would have whiled away the long hours on watch duty by duodecim scripta, an ancestor of modern backgammon. These beautiful dice would probably have belonged to one such soldier, who served to defend the frontiers of an empire which at its peak stretched from Northern Britain to the Middle East. Good condition; Size: L:set of 2: 10mm, 10mm / W:10mm, 11mm ; 3.6g; Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.

Lot 282

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy bronze bracelet with punched dot and box decoration, and incised lines 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: L:52mm / W:66mm ; 35g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 283

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A heavy silver coiled bracelet intended to evoke the form of a snake. 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. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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’s one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition; beautiful patina;Size: L:30mm / W:30mm ; 19.2g; Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

Lot 314

900-1100 AD. Viking age. This beautiful pennanular brooch comprising a highly decorated plate with faux twisted bands, and an undulating border. The pin plate has two stylised dragon heads at its uppermost point and a series of tassels with delicate dragon foot charms. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. Excellent condition; beautiful patina. For more general information on Viking Jewellery see Arbman, H. Birka I Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. Excellent condition.Size: L:170mm / W:66mm ; 154.3g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1990s.

Lot 316

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A silver twisted bracelet comprising a single strand of twisted silver with flattened terminals decorated with incised cross hatch lines meant evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. Excellent condition. Size: L:58mm / W:61mm ; 13.8g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 32

C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley Civilisation. An polychrome vessel with a globular body, flat base, tapering neck and short outward curving rim. The uppermost register features an intricate red, greend and black geometric pattern under which are situated a band of polychrome fish in the same colours. The middlemost register features a series of zebu bulls with characteristic hump and curving horns separated by birds all in a polychrome palette. Below the zebu is another geometric band underneath which is a polychrome pride of lions. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Excellent condition; Size: L:560mm / W:400mm ; 12.9kg; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.

Lot 326

1100-1300 AD. Byzantine. A silver gilt ring with a round hoop and octagonal trumpet bezel engraved with a Greek cross monogram. This item may have belonged to a Byzantine general who would have used it to sign official correspondence. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 17.75mm / US: 7 1/2 / UK: P; 14.8g; Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.

Lot 328

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A large bronze example of an axe or Perun amulet comprising a suspension loop and a stylised axe head with forked, recurved terminals and incised geometric decoration. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counter part to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Excellent condition, wearable.Size: L:41mm / W:47mm ; 11.8g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market before 2000;

Lot 34

C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley Civilisation. An ochre-coloured vessel with a globular body, flat base, and short outward curving rim. The exterior features painted decoration in black, red and green depicting two zebu bulls with characteristic hump and curving horns. They are separated by stylised geometric vegetation and framed by a simple lower linear border and an upper panel of waved motifs. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Excellent condition; Size: L:180mm / W:220mm ; 1.55g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.

Lot 341

712-30 BC, Late Period/Ptolemaic. A beautiful restrung necklace with tubular and discoid beads as well as a beautiful pale scarabs and a blue jar amulet. Scarabs, from Latin scarabaeus (“beetleâ€), which in turn comes from Greek karabos (“beetleâ€; “crayfishâ€), were artistic depictions of the Egyptian dung beetle. In Egyptian mythology, these insects were linked to the Sun God Ra, who after his death in the Underworld, was reborn as a scarab. Used as amulets, seals and to fulfil commemorative functions, scarabs were an important element of dress. Their undersides frequently feature hieroglyphic or geometric designs to identify their owners or ward off evil spirits. Due to their small, abstract nature, scarabs cannot normally be closely dated generally. See K. M. Kooney (2008). ‘Scarabs,’ in The UCLA Encyclopaedia of Egyptology, available online at https://escholarship.org/uc/item/13v7v5gd. Good condition, wearable.Size: L:311mm / W:235mm ; 6g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Ancient Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.

Lot 345

C. 1000-1500 AD. Crusaders period. A rare silver ring with circular hoop, heavy, broad band, and round applied plate bezel. The bezel, with scalloped edges bears an engraved double concentric six-pointed star motif, perhaps intended to depict the Star of Bethlehem. The star is picked out with niello decoration. 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, and may once have been worn by a faithful knight who travelled to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 17.97mm / US: 7 1/2 / UK: P; 12.9g; Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.

Lot 347

1100-1300 AD, Medieval. Bronze ring with D-shaped hoop and flattened, round bezel featuring incised decoration depicting a shield with two crossed arrows framed by serpents and crowned with 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 during the 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. Excellent condition; Size: D: 19.51mm / US: 9 5/8 / UK: T; 9g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970s then passed by descent.

Lot 348

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze ring with a circular hoop, and an octagonal bezel which bears incised decoration in the form of a dragon, possibly meant to depict Jormungand. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. Excellent condition. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking Warrior. Good condition.Size: D: 17.97mm / US: 7 1/2 / UK: P; 2.7g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market before 2000.

Lot 358

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A silver with a D-shaped hoop, and elliptical bezel affixed to the hoop by applied coils of silver with trailing ends which wind down the shoulders and are intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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. Excellent condition.Size: D: 18.35mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q1/2; 6.7g; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.

Lot 360

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A bronze example of an axe or Perun amulet comprising a suspension loop and a stylised axe with a notched head, and impressed concentric circles intended to decorate the outward facing surface. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counter part to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Excellent condition, wearable ;Size: L:39mm / W:30mm ; 8.2g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1990s.

Lot 362

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A silver example of an axe or Perun amulet comprising a large suspension loop and a stylised axe head. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counter part to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Excellent condition, wearable.Size: L:31mm / W:17mm ; 3.3g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 363

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A silver example of an axe or Perun amulet comprising a suspension loop and a stylised axe head. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counter part to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Excellent condition, wearable.Size: L:26mm / W:16mm ; 2.4g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 367

100-300 AD, Roman. Ring with circular loop, and raised round bezel bearing an incised decoration comprising a sun motif comprised of two concentric circles with facing radiating lines. The sun stands for Sol Invictus (Latin for: "Unconquered Sun"), a major divinity in Late Roman Religion. Sol Invictus was a patron of soldier and became part of official state religion in AD 274 under the Emperor Aurelian. The cult continued into the 5th century as St Augustine felt it necessary to preach against Sol to his Christian congregation. The connection between Sol and soldiers means that this item may well have belonged to a Roman legionary, who wore it a in hope of protection during military campaigns. Good condition, wearable.Size: D: 18.35mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q1/2; 7.2g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.

Lot 368

700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A fine silver bracelet comprised of a single strand of silver with one terminal shaped into a truncated lozenge and decorated with incised lines forming a detailed snake's head. The other terminal is shaped into a crown-esque bauble. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;†Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beastâ€), 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’s one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Excellent condition, wearable.Size: L:72mm / W:85mm ; 78.8g; Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.

Lot 371

700-1000 AD. Viking age. An iron sword with a long, doubled-edged blade, culminating in a point and a wide, broad, tapering guard and circular pommel, corresponding broadly to Petersen’s Type W. The sword was an elite weapon during the Viking period, and only the most well-off warriors - the cavalry - would have been able to afford one. Such swords were used both by the Vikings and Khazars. The elite status of swords during the Viking age is made clear both by their presence in some of the richest graves as well as a law of Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, which requires soldiers who could afford to maintain a horse to be equipped with a sword. Excellent condition; on a custom stand. See Petersen, Jan (1919). De Norske Vikingesverd. Kristiania.Size: L:620mm / W:142mm ; 690g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.

Lot 373

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade, with a raised central midrip, and a an elaborate openwork handle with a pointed finale. 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:446mm / W:78mm ; 520g; Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.

Lot 392

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Bronze Age. A bronze spearhead with a leaf-shaped, lentoid sectioned blade, a wide raised midrib and a long, gently flaring neck that transitions into a tang with a pointed terminal. 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, on a custom-made stand; Size: L:420mm / W:40mm ; 485g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

Lot 393

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Bronze Age. A bronze spearhead with a leaf-shaped, lentoid sectioned blade, a wide raised midrib and a long, gently flaring neck that transitions into a tang with a laterally angled, blunt tipped terminal. 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, on a custom-made stand; Size: L:408mm / W:54mm ; 470g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.

Lot 405

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze spearhead with a lozenge shaped, lentoid-sectioned blade with a raised midrib, short neck and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Fair condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:142mm / W:30mm ; 35g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

Lot 406

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze spearhead with a lanceolate blade with flaring shoulders, raised midrib, short neck and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Fair condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:112mm / W:24mm ; 25g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.

Lot 407

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze spearhead with a triangular, lentoid-sectioned blade with a raised midrib, short neck and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Fair condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:100mm / W:31mm ; 20g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

Lot 408

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze spearhead with a flaring triangular, lentoid-sectioned blade with a wide raised midrib decorated with incised crosshatched lines, and a short neck and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Fair condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:126mm / W:20mm ; 30g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.

Lot 415

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade adornned with a deep fuller or "blood groove" which is flanked by raised ridges forming subsidiary fuller grooves and a short tang for afixing a handle. 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 custom stand.Size: L:465mm / W:68mm ; 410g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.

Lot 420

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with a raised midrib and a robust, laterally angled tang with a flattened, round terminus. 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 custom stand.Size: L:320mm / W:37mm ; 220g; Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed in the 1990s.

Lot 431A

900-1100 AD. Viking age. An iron sword with a long, doubled-edged blade, with a deep fuller or "blood-groobe" culminating in a point, a simple lunate guard and an integral handle with a spade-shaped pommel corresponding to Petersen type L. The sword was an elite weapon during the Viking period, and only the most well-off warriors - the cavalry - would have been able to afford one. Such swords were used both by the Vikings and Khazars. The elite status of swords during the Viking age is made clear both by their presence in some of the richest graves as well as a law of Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, which requires soldiers who could afford to maintain a horse to be equipped with a sword. Excellent condition; on a custom stand. See Petersen, Jan (1919). De Norske Vikingesverd. Kristiania.Size: L:960mm / W:135mm ; 1.1kg; Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed in the 1990s.

Lot 431B

700-1000 AD. Viking age. An iron sword with a long, doubled-edged blade, culminating in a point with a wide, rectangular guard and hemi-spherical pommel, corresponding broadly to Petersen’s Type W. The sword was an elite weapon during the Viking period, and only the most well-off warriors - the cavalry - would have been able to afford one. Such swords were used both by the Vikings and Khazars. The elite status of swords during the Viking age is made clear both by their presence in some of the richest graves as well as a law of Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, which requires soldiers who could afford to maintain a horse to be equipped with a sword. Excellent condition; on a custom stand. See Petersen, Jan (1919). De Norske Vikingesverd. Kristiania.Size: L:342mm / W:52mm ; 365g; Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.

Lot 432

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze spearhead with a triangular, lentoid-sectioned blad with a raised midrib, short neck and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Good condition.Size: L:342mm / W:52mm ; 365g; Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

Lot 435

c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. An iron bearded axe head with a heavy, curved blade, narrow cheek, rounded socket and rectangular flanges. The bearded axe, or Skeggøx (from Old Norse Skegg, "beard", and øx, "axe"), was common from the 6th century AD onwards in Scandinavia, but made most famous by the Vikings, who used these axes in battle to terrible effect. Bearded axes are named for the fact that the main part of the axe blade extends below the butt of the axe, creating a large cutting blade and allowing a fighter to hook onto the shields or weapons of his (or her) opponents. Further information on Viking axes in general can be found in Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala. Excellent condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:108mm / W:145mm ; 610g; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s; previously acquired in Germany.

Lot 444

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A squat bronze spearhead with a flaring leaf-shaped, lentoid-sectioned blade, raised midrib with a short 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. Excellent condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:162mm / W:23mm ; 40g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

Lot 445

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze spearhead with a triangular, lentoid-sectioned blade with a raised midrib, short neck and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Fair condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:124mm / W:22mm ; 30g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.

Lot 446

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A squat bronze spearhead with an slightly barbed leaf-shaped, lentoid-sectioned blade, raised midrib with a short neck and tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Good condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:131mm / W:31mm ; 25g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.

Lot 447

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. A bronze spearhead with a barbed, triangular, lentoid-sectioned blade with a raised midrib, short neck and long 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. Excellent condition, on a custom-made stand.Size: L:171mm / W:24mm ; 40g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

Lot 449

1200-700 BC This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with a raised midrib and beautiful integral handle comprised of long cylindrical grip, with two flat disks, separated by a short section of cylindrical grip. 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:538mm / W:78mm ; 600g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.

Lot 45

C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley Civilisation. Cream-coloured pottery ram figure with painted black details, curved horns strong, expressive facial features and short, squat legs. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic figurine belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the ram’s importance in religious sacrifice. Excellent condition. Size: L:80mm / W:130mm; 760g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.

Lot 455

c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. An iron bearded axe head with a heavy blade, narrow cheek, rounded socket and rectangular flanges. The bearded axe, or Skeggøx (from Old Norse Skegg, "beard", and øx, "axe"), was common from the 6th century AD onwards in Scandinavia, but made most famous by the Vikings, who used these axes in battle to terrible effect. Bearded axes are named for the fact that the main part of the axe blade extends below the butt of the axe, creating a large cutting blade and allowing a fighter to hook onto the shields or weapons of his (or her) opponents. Further information on Viking axes in general can be found in Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala. Excellent condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:125mm / W:157mm ; 705g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market before 2000.

Lot 459

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with a raised midrib and a flat 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. Superb condition. On custom stand.Size: L:328mm / W:50mm ; 190g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

Lot 46

C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley. An creme-coloured ceramic figurine of a zebu with exaggerated crescent horns, painted with stripes on the horns, back and shoulders, and rondel eyes. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Excellent condition.Size: L:90mm / W:120mm ; 440g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.

Lot 460

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with a raised midrib and a flat 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. Superb condition. On custom stand.Size: L:336mm / W:34mm ; 145g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.

Lot 466

1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. Bronze Age. A bronze spearhead with a leaf-shaped, lentoid sectioned blade, a wide raised midrib and a flaring neck that transitions into a tang with a laterally angled, flattened terminal. 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, on a custom-made stand; Size: L:354mm / W:50mm ; 270g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.

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