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Viking

Jasper 52 launches fresh wave of ancient Viking jewelry July 22

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Viking
Ancient Viking lunar pendant circa A.D. 900-1000, gilt bronze, nearly 1/2 in. high, fashioned as the crescent moon. Estimate: $135-$150. Jasper52 image

 

NEW YORK – Authentic Viking Age jewelry along with select medieval and Byzantine pieces will be sold in a Jasper52 auction on Saturday, July 22. Absentee and Internet bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Rings, amulets, pendants and bracelets that hold symbolic meaning in their shapes, often embodying the great strength of Viking warriors who bore them, are being offered. Professionally refurbished and ready for wear, these pieces of gilt bronze jewelry are enriched with history as well as beauty.

To the Vikings, who were expert seafarers and navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power. Featured in the sale is a Viking lunar pendant (above) from the ninth or 10th century. This example is just under one-half inch high and fashioned as the crescent moon.

Another lunar pendant in the auction is an elongated crescent with terminals representing Sol and Mani (sun and moon) connected by a wave motif representing the sea. It is 1 1/2 inches wide. Lunar pendants were worn as pectorals as well as suspended from belts and clothing.

 

Viking
Ancient Viking lunar pendant, circa A.D. 800-900, gilt bronze, 1 1/2 in. wide, elongated crescent with terminals representing the sun and moon, connected by a wave motif representing the sea. Estimate: $200-$225. Jasper52 image

 

A 10th-century Viking C-form bracelet in the auction is decorated with a continuous diamond motif.

 

Viking
Tenth-century Viking bracelet, gilt bronze, hand cut with continuous diamond motif. Estimate: $300-$300. Jasper52 image

 

Ancient Romans were also seafarers and understood the bond between dolphins and sailors, and many tales of dolphin rescues and assistance have been recorded. A second-century Roman pendant being offered represents a bottle-nosed dolphin. At least one fibula (decorative garment pin) with the body of a dolphin very similar to this is known. This example may well have been worn en suite with a matching fibula.

 

Viking
Roman dolphin pendant, second century, gilt bronze, 2 1/8 in. long. Estimate: $600-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Another rare Roman piece is a key ring, A.D. 300-500. Its narrow flat band was made with an intricately toothed key projection. These rings were used to open jewelry boxes, the ownership of which was prestigious. As a result, many were made for show only and worn where no such box existed.

 

Viking
Roman key ring, A.D. 300-500, gilt bronze, size 10 1/4. Estimate: $230-$260. Jasper52 image

 

Representing medieval times is a Spanish pendant that would have been worn by a woman. An inch in diameter, the delicately pierced a radial splay of globes on stalks, finely chased and polished, surround a raised bezel with original clear glass or stone mount.

 

Viking
Woman’s pendant, Spanish, circa 1450, gilt bronze, 1 in. diameter, finely chased and polished, surround a raised bezel with original clear glass or stone mount. Estimate: $250-$275. Jasper52 image

 

Another highlight of this collection is a gleaming silver Byzantine pilgrim cross.

The auction will begin Saturday, July 22, at 2 p.m. Eastern time.

 

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