Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24123 - British and World Coins and Medals featuring the Pritchard Collection of 18th Century Provincial Tokens and Commemorative Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 1302

Anglo-Saxon (900-1100), gilt-copper and glass brooch, central diamond/cross motif with concave arms, a semi-circular form lies in each angle in a white colour, each with a smaller semi-circular cell of red or yellow at its outer edge, back plate gilded, stub of pin seat remains, 20mm diameter, 3.29g, [Spink XRF, FRONT: 72.26% Copper, 9.26% Antimony; 6.82% Lead; 6.82% Tin; 3.91% Iron; 1.09% Titanium; 0.84% Gold; 0.42% Manganese; 0.22% Silver; 0.21% Zinc; 0.204% Zirconium, BACK: 84% Copper; 9.22% Gold; 3.1% Tungsten; 1.14% Lead; 0.86% Tin; 0.779% Iron; 0.45% Germanium; 0.41% Titanium], (cf. BM 1870,0402.59; 1935,1210.1; cf. PAS LEIC-30B5F6; NLM-79996F), glass is cracked in areas with some missing from sections, red colour remains bright and the gilded back still bright, a pleasing little example of an early medieval artefact, largely complete, near very fine

The XRF analysis conducted helps to shed light on the making process of the glass workers during the Anglo-Saxon period. As Iron impurities mean that glass tends to be naturally of a blue-green hue, decolourants such as antimony or manganese were used by the Anglo-Saxons to counteract these impurities. Both these elements were found on the front of the brooch.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£110

Starting price
£5