Viking Era Bronze Bronze Band Bracelet
04
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Bronze Viking Age wide open band bracelet, open type with an inner diameter of 54 mm (circumference 17 cm) and outer diameter of 62 mm (circumference 19.5 cm), weight 33 g, in very good condition with a dark green patina and a attached certificate of authenticity.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Bronze band bracelet – a rare artifact from the Viking Age (8th–11th century AD)
METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND MATERIAL
Craftsmanship:
The object was created in a traditional workshop through an initial metal casting, which was then cold-hammered by a blacksmith artisan to form a resilient and wide band.
Alloy:
The ornament was made of ancient bronze. This copper-tin alloy features high density, thanks to which the item has preserved its full structure and form through the centuries.
ORNAMENTATION: ALONG THE CIRCUMFERENCE AND ON THE ENDS
Main decoration:
A dense, perfectly laid out pattern of horizontal, parallel grooves runs along the entire length of the bracelet, giving the whole piece a unique texture.
Edge decoration:
At the ends of the open hoop, the linear pattern transitions into transverse, vertical bands of fine, dotted hatching. This detail, incised with a graver, aesthetically closes the composition at the split of the bracelet.
Cultural identification:
The decorative motifs applied to the surface, the precise engraving, and the overall form of execution and finishing of details clearly indicate that this is an authentic Viking Age bracelet.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Social status:
In Scandinavian culture, such magnificent jewelry was not a mere ornament. It testified to the high social standing, wealth, and prestige of the person who wore it.
Warrior symbol:
A wide, massive bracelet could serve as a highly important symbol for a Viking warrior. Such items were often bestowed by chieftains as a token of recognition for battle merits, loyalty, and bravery, standing as a proud testament to his position in the warband.
VISUAL FEATURES OF AUTHENTICITY AND CONDITION
Dimensions and condition:
The artifact is of considerable size, massive and tall, which beautifully showcases its rich texture. The object is excellently preserved and is in very good condition – the metal is fully stable, with no modern damage or structural defects.
Noble patina:
The surface of the metal is covered with an original, matte malachite patina of a deep, dark green hue with natural, earthy oxide layers.
Originality:
The natural mineral accretion is inextricably bonded with the metal substrate and penetrates deeply into the engraved grooves and micro-cracks. Such a surface condition occurs solely as a result of centuries-long burial of the object in the ground, which completely rules out modern methods of artificial aging.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Type: Wide band bracelet (open)
Chronology: Viking Age (8th–11th century AD) / Nordic influence
Period Cultural Area: Baltic Sea basinInner
Inner diameter: 54 mm (corresponds to a circumference of 17 cm)
Outer diameter: 62 mm (corresponds to a circumference of 19.5 cm)
Weight: 33 g
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
Bronze band bracelet – a rare artifact from the Viking Age (8th–11th century AD)
METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND MATERIAL
Craftsmanship:
The object was created in a traditional workshop through an initial metal casting, which was then cold-hammered by a blacksmith artisan to form a resilient and wide band.
Alloy:
The ornament was made of ancient bronze. This copper-tin alloy features high density, thanks to which the item has preserved its full structure and form through the centuries.
ORNAMENTATION: ALONG THE CIRCUMFERENCE AND ON THE ENDS
Main decoration:
A dense, perfectly laid out pattern of horizontal, parallel grooves runs along the entire length of the bracelet, giving the whole piece a unique texture.
Edge decoration:
At the ends of the open hoop, the linear pattern transitions into transverse, vertical bands of fine, dotted hatching. This detail, incised with a graver, aesthetically closes the composition at the split of the bracelet.
Cultural identification:
The decorative motifs applied to the surface, the precise engraving, and the overall form of execution and finishing of details clearly indicate that this is an authentic Viking Age bracelet.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Social status:
In Scandinavian culture, such magnificent jewelry was not a mere ornament. It testified to the high social standing, wealth, and prestige of the person who wore it.
Warrior symbol:
A wide, massive bracelet could serve as a highly important symbol for a Viking warrior. Such items were often bestowed by chieftains as a token of recognition for battle merits, loyalty, and bravery, standing as a proud testament to his position in the warband.
VISUAL FEATURES OF AUTHENTICITY AND CONDITION
Dimensions and condition:
The artifact is of considerable size, massive and tall, which beautifully showcases its rich texture. The object is excellently preserved and is in very good condition – the metal is fully stable, with no modern damage or structural defects.
Noble patina:
The surface of the metal is covered with an original, matte malachite patina of a deep, dark green hue with natural, earthy oxide layers.
Originality:
The natural mineral accretion is inextricably bonded with the metal substrate and penetrates deeply into the engraved grooves and micro-cracks. Such a surface condition occurs solely as a result of centuries-long burial of the object in the ground, which completely rules out modern methods of artificial aging.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Type: Wide band bracelet (open)
Chronology: Viking Age (8th–11th century AD) / Nordic influence
Period Cultural Area: Baltic Sea basinInner
Inner diameter: 54 mm (corresponds to a circumference of 17 cm)
Outer diameter: 62 mm (corresponds to a circumference of 19.5 cm)
Weight: 33 g
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
Bronze Band Bracelet
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.
