维京时代 黄铜色 博物馆级S形法夫尼尔龙扣件吊坠，拥有宏丽的包浆——公元9–12世纪 (没有保留价)

一段往昔，以佩戴而生

Museum-Quality Viking Age S-Shaped Fáfnir Dragon Fastener-Pendant with Magnificent Patina – 9th–12th Century AD

Object Type: S-Shaped Garment or Belt Fastener, Presented as a Pendant
Cultural Attribution: Scandinavian / Norse
Period: Viking Age–Early Medieval, circa 9th–12th century AD
Material: Bronze
Technique: Cast and relief-modelled
Artistic Tradition: Ringerike–Urnes Zoomorphic Tradition

-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
-The suspension cords, connecting rings, and other display accessories shown in the photographs are used solely for presentation purposes and are not part of the object.

Dimensions:
H: 31.69 mm ±
W: 22.52 mm ±
Weight: 5.26 g

Description
This remarkable bronze object, preserved in museum-quality condition and distinguished by a magnificent archaeological patina, is designed as an open, S-shaped zoomorphic creature. Its curving body terminates in stylised dragon or serpent heads, while its sinuous profile, modelled anatomical divisions and animal-headed terminals reflect the flowing zoomorphic vocabulary of Viking Age and Early Medieval Scandinavian metalwork.

Archaeological and typological parallels for comparable S-shaped metal elements indicate that such objects were originally employed as connecting or fastening devices on belts, suspension straps or garments. Their opposing open terminals formed a functional hook mechanism through which leather straps, textile loops or separate fittings could be secured. The object should therefore be understood not merely as a decorative element but as a functional component of Medieval dress—a vestimentum fixura, or garment fastener. Its open structure now allows it to be worn as a pendant while preserving its historical character.

The composition recalls the interlaced serpents and elongated animals encountered particularly within the Ringerike and Urnes artistic traditions. In Norse mythology, serpents and dragons were associated with power, danger, wisdom and supernatural protection. The design may be connected iconographically with the legendary dragon Fáfnir, guardian of the cursed treasure and subsequently slain by the hero Sigurðr. Rather than identifying the creature definitively as Fáfnir, however, the motif should be understood as evoking the broader Scandinavian draconic tradition represented by this mythological figure. It may also have fulfilled an apotropaic function, expressing symbolic protection, strength and courage.

The magnificent dark olive-green and brown patina is enriched by lighter mineralised areas and warm bronze highlights. This complex surface accentuates the sculptural modelling, segmented body and remarkably legible zoomorphic details. Combining exceptional preservation, practical function, mythological resonance and Scandinavian ornamentation, the object represents a museum-quality example of Viking Age–Medieval metalwork.

Information
The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands

The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.

Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days

Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.

Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.