Viking Era Bronze MASSIVE RICHLY DECORATED BRONZE ARM RING
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 250 - € 280
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MASSIVE, richly decorated Viking Age bronze arm ring with a 57 mm inner diameter, 76 mm outer diameter, and 187 g weight, featuring a ridged lozenge cross-section, a decorative diagonal punch-mark band and circular motifs, malachite patina, in very good condition, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
MASSIVE, RICHLY DECORATED BRONZE ARM RING – VIKING AGE (8TH–11TH CENTURY AD)
1. CHARACTERISTICS AND ARTIFACT TYPE
Artifact Type:
Massive arm ring (Viking Arm Ring).Construction and
Design:
An object of a thick, heavy, and highly massive open-ended construction. A distinctive feature of this specimen is the significantly thickened and wider terminals at the opening. Moving from these broad ends along the arch, the hoop of the arm ring begins to taper gently and elegantly.
Geometry and Body Line:
The hoop features a distinct, ridged (lozenge/roof-shaped) cross-section, where the sides converge upward to form a sharp, clean central ridge running around the entire object.
2. APPEARANCE AND AESTHETICS
The object represents a classic, austere, yet highly luxurious Scandinavian aesthetic. The arm ring features a subtly flattened shape that perfectly reflects the natural, oval anatomy of the human forearm. Its unique construction—with wider, massive terminals at the opening and a prominent ridge line—gives it a powerful, striking appearance. The massiveness and significant weight of the object instantly draw the eye, emphasizing the elite character and high status of the original owner.
3. PRECISE DESCRIPTION OF THE PATTERN (ORNAMENTATION)
What sets this specimen apart on the collectibles market is the excellently preserved, unique geometric ornament visible on the outer surface of the hoop
Decorative Band:
A prominent row of fine, diagonal punch marks runs along the body of the arm ring. They form a highly regular, dense pattern reminiscent of a braid or bands of fine incisions.Circular Motifs: Below the aforementioned band, larger, single, and more sparsely spaced circular motifs (so-called eyelets, dot-in-circle, or small rosettes) are visible, deeply embedded in the metal structure.
Visual Effect:
The pattern has retained excellent edge sharpness, and a thick layer of malachite patina has perfectly settled into the recesses of the ornament. This fantastically emphasizes its depth, authenticity, and age-old ruggedness.
4. PROVENANCE AND ATTRIBUTESDating:
Viking Age / Early Middle Ages (c. 8th – 11th century AD).
Cultural Context:
Scandinavia / Baltic cultural sphere (analogous decorations are found in rich hoards on Gotland and in areas of Norse influence in Central and Eastern Europe).
Historical Use:
In Viking society, arm rings played a triple role. They served as a symbol of loyalty to the chieftain, a sign of a warrior's maturity, and currency (so-called hack-silver / hack-bronze). In times before the widespread use of coins, fragments of such massive arm rings were cut off in barter trade and used for payment based on the weight of the metal alloy. This presented specimen has survived completely intact, which drastically increases its value.
5. PATINA AND STATE OF PRESERVATION
Condition:
Very good, considering the age of the object. Free of any modern mechanical damage, cracks, or structural losses. The metal is stable, solid, and safe to handle.
Patina Description:
The artifact is covered with an authentic, multi-layered patina of a varied structure, serving as a 100% guarantee of ancient origin. The surface is coated with a thick malachite layer in shades of deep, saturated green, interspersed in places with brown and rusty minerals from centuries of burial in the soil.
6. PARAMETERS AND DIMENSIONS
Material: Bronze (copper alloy of historical composition).
Inner Diameter (Size): 57 mm (equivalent to 17 cm of inner circumference).
Outer Diameter: 76 mm (equivalent to 24 cm of outer circumference).
Weight: 187 g.
7. DOCUMENTATION
Certificate:
A certificate of authenticity is attached to the object, containing detailed information that describes the item typologically by myself and previously by experts from Belgium, as well as confirming its origin.
Provenance:
British art gallery 1970s.
British colection 1970s./2000s.
European collection 2000s
Acquired from Karabela Arms (Karabela Ltd), an antique dealer based in London 59 Devons Road
MASSIVE, RICHLY DECORATED BRONZE ARM RING – VIKING AGE (8TH–11TH CENTURY AD)
1. CHARACTERISTICS AND ARTIFACT TYPE
Artifact Type:
Massive arm ring (Viking Arm Ring).Construction and
Design:
An object of a thick, heavy, and highly massive open-ended construction. A distinctive feature of this specimen is the significantly thickened and wider terminals at the opening. Moving from these broad ends along the arch, the hoop of the arm ring begins to taper gently and elegantly.
Geometry and Body Line:
The hoop features a distinct, ridged (lozenge/roof-shaped) cross-section, where the sides converge upward to form a sharp, clean central ridge running around the entire object.
2. APPEARANCE AND AESTHETICS
The object represents a classic, austere, yet highly luxurious Scandinavian aesthetic. The arm ring features a subtly flattened shape that perfectly reflects the natural, oval anatomy of the human forearm. Its unique construction—with wider, massive terminals at the opening and a prominent ridge line—gives it a powerful, striking appearance. The massiveness and significant weight of the object instantly draw the eye, emphasizing the elite character and high status of the original owner.
3. PRECISE DESCRIPTION OF THE PATTERN (ORNAMENTATION)
What sets this specimen apart on the collectibles market is the excellently preserved, unique geometric ornament visible on the outer surface of the hoop
Decorative Band:
A prominent row of fine, diagonal punch marks runs along the body of the arm ring. They form a highly regular, dense pattern reminiscent of a braid or bands of fine incisions.Circular Motifs: Below the aforementioned band, larger, single, and more sparsely spaced circular motifs (so-called eyelets, dot-in-circle, or small rosettes) are visible, deeply embedded in the metal structure.
Visual Effect:
The pattern has retained excellent edge sharpness, and a thick layer of malachite patina has perfectly settled into the recesses of the ornament. This fantastically emphasizes its depth, authenticity, and age-old ruggedness.
4. PROVENANCE AND ATTRIBUTESDating:
Viking Age / Early Middle Ages (c. 8th – 11th century AD).
Cultural Context:
Scandinavia / Baltic cultural sphere (analogous decorations are found in rich hoards on Gotland and in areas of Norse influence in Central and Eastern Europe).
Historical Use:
In Viking society, arm rings played a triple role. They served as a symbol of loyalty to the chieftain, a sign of a warrior's maturity, and currency (so-called hack-silver / hack-bronze). In times before the widespread use of coins, fragments of such massive arm rings were cut off in barter trade and used for payment based on the weight of the metal alloy. This presented specimen has survived completely intact, which drastically increases its value.
5. PATINA AND STATE OF PRESERVATION
Condition:
Very good, considering the age of the object. Free of any modern mechanical damage, cracks, or structural losses. The metal is stable, solid, and safe to handle.
Patina Description:
The artifact is covered with an authentic, multi-layered patina of a varied structure, serving as a 100% guarantee of ancient origin. The surface is coated with a thick malachite layer in shades of deep, saturated green, interspersed in places with brown and rusty minerals from centuries of burial in the soil.
6. PARAMETERS AND DIMENSIONS
Material: Bronze (copper alloy of historical composition).
Inner Diameter (Size): 57 mm (equivalent to 17 cm of inner circumference).
Outer Diameter: 76 mm (equivalent to 24 cm of outer circumference).
Weight: 187 g.
7. DOCUMENTATION
Certificate:
A certificate of authenticity is attached to the object, containing detailed information that describes the item typologically by myself and previously by experts from Belgium, as well as confirming its origin.
Provenance:
British art gallery 1970s.
British colection 1970s./2000s.
European collection 2000s
Acquired from Karabela Arms (Karabela Ltd), an antique dealer based in London 59 Devons Road
Details
Culture
Viking Era
Century/timeframe
8th-11th Century A.D
Name of object
MASSIVE RICHLY DECORATED BRONZE ARM RING
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2020
Previous owner - country acquired from
Europe
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
