3 Anglo Saxon & Medieval Copper, Bronze, & Brass Items

Northern Europe, England, Anglo-Saxon to Medieval, ca. 8th to 14th century CE. A remarkable ensemble of adornments: 2 Anglo Saxon brooches and a Medieval English dress hook. First, a leaded bronze brooch of discoid form with a risen central knob. The front of the piece is adorned with blue, turquoise, and white enamel arranged into abstract patterns of checkered, starburst, and spiral motifs. Next, the ovoid brooch is formed from a copper zinc tin alloy embellished by a lustrous gilt border that is incised with a wavy design. Last, the brass dress hook displays a circular face decorated with a recessed quatrefoil surrounded by the words "AVE MARIA" (Latin for "Hail Mary") twice in silvered niello inlay Gothic script. A rectangular piece of brass extends from one side with a small drill hole for attachment and a petite hook protrudes from the bottom. Dress hooks like this example were decorative clothing accessories used to fasten outer garments or to drape up skirts in Great Britain and the Low Countries during the Medieval and Tudor periods. Size (of largest): 1.875" L x 1" W (4.8 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#158830
Condition Report: Neither brooch is wearable. Tip of hook on dress hook missing and drill hole filled. Some losses to enamel on circular brooch. All have expected bending, abrasions, and nicks, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, very nice with impressive remains of gilding, silvering, and enamel. All have lovely patina.