1050 - Round silver pendant with cross-shaped filigree, Viking, 10th century

Round silver pendant with cross-shaped filigree, Viking, 10th century A round sheet of metal, tapering at the top into a tab bent backward, which is soldered on the back to form an eyelet. The outer edge is framed by a band consisting of several wires twisted together, followed by a notched wire and two wires twisted together. These three adjacent elements—at the top left and right on the shoulders and at the bottom center—are connected not only by soldering but also by silver sheet clips. In the center, within a circle formed by a narrow sheet metal band, is a large granulation, surrounded by two twisted wires. Leaning against the central circle are four pelts made of similar silver sheet, each accompanied on the inside by a notched wire. Within the openings of the pelts are teardrop-shaped ornaments with curled ends at the tip, accompanied inside by two twisted wires. Thick granules are set in the corners of the ornaments. The inner surface of the eyelet at the edge is decorated with semicircles, each consisting of two twisted wires. Slightly rough surface due to vigorous cleaning. Otherwise in excellent condition. Height 3.8 cm. Width 3.0 cm. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: Private collection in southern Germany, acquired in the late 1990s from the collector’s father’s collection. Condition: I -