Viking Age Bronze Beast-Head Staff Terminal
9th-11th century A.D. Comprising a hollow socket with iron rod inserted, terminal formed as a beast-head with open jaws, lobed snout, canine teeth prominent, ribbed brow and bulbous eyes, D-shaped ears to the rear. Cf. Graham-Campbell, J., The Viking World, London, 1980, p.134-5, for similar animal-heads carved on the wagon found in the Oseberg ship-burial at Tønsberg, Vestfold, Norway; the Oseberg burial marks the beginning of Viking Age art. It is dated dendrochronologically to 834 A.D.41.7 grams, 58 mm (2 1/4 in.). Acquired in the 1990s. Ex property of a German collector.[No Reserve]For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price