305 - Hunnish Gilt Strap Attachment with Four Stylised Heads. 6th century A.D. Cruciform in plan with central disc pierced with a saltire-shaped void and crenellated border; each radiating arm ending in a mask with centre-parted hair and short beard. See Treasures of the Dark Ages in Europe, Ariadne Galleries, 1991, no.122, for a comparable object. 35.7 grams, 60 mm (2 3/8 in.). [No Reserve]

Hunnish Gilt Strap Attachment with Four Stylised Heads. 6th century A.D. Cruciform in plan with central disc pierced with a saltire-shaped void and crenellated border; each radiating arm ending in a mask with centre-parted hair and short beard. See Treasures of the Dark Ages in Europe, Ariadne Galleries, 1991, no.122, for a comparable object. 35.7 grams, 60 mm (2 3/8 in.). [No Reserve] Private collection, London. The size and shape of this ornamental cross are evocative of metalwork that would have decorated clothing. However, the fact that the cross does not have a loop on the back suggests that it may not necessarily have been worn, while the ring in the centre and the grooves along that ring suggest that a rope of some sort may have been threaded through. One possibility is that this was a harness mount. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.