9th C. Viking Bronze Chape or Stylus Case

Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 9th to 12h century CE. A fine cast-bronze chape to protect the blade of a petite blade or tool, with an attached chain for suspension. The chape has a tapered profile and an integral suspension loop on one side and a flange with 4 perforations and geometric relief patterns. The chain attaches to the upper perforation and the links are made from thick double rings. While chapes are usually for swords or daggers, this piece has a rounded cylindrical opening, much too narrow for a normal knife blade, suggesting a pick shaped tool was inserted, such as a stylus. Size of chape: 3.3" L x 0.8" W (8.4 cm x 2 cm); chain: 6.25" L (15.9 cm)

Provenance: private Carmichael, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990's

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#167447
Condition Report: Professionally cleaned. Surface pitting to the chape around opening. Losses and chips to the large rings on both ends of the chain. Green patina throughout.