2126 - Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Bridle Cheek Piece with Knotwork and Beasts. 11th century A.D. Of Williams Type 2, formed as a flat triangular plate broken across the hole which originally held the iron bit in place, from one corner the elongated terminal extends into a rounded swelling and ends in a rounded knob, possibly suggesting an animal snout; one edge of the plate with a central projecting lobe, used to form the nose of a stylised face with engraved detail resembling the paired spirals flowing up to form arching eyebrows and and eye features; above right of the face running up the top of the fitting an engraved piece of knotwork creating a four-lobed design of a band running off from the the knotwork towards the break. See The Portable Antiquities Scheme, nos.SUR-4D80E6 and HAMP-564699, for similar cheek pieces of Williams type 2 in both form and decoration. 36.7 grams, 63 mm (2 1/2 in.). [No Reserve]

Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Bridle Cheek Piece with Knotwork and Beasts. 11th century A.D. Of Williams Type 2, formed as a flat triangular plate broken across the hole which originally held the iron bit in place, from one corner the elongated terminal extends into a rounded swelling and ends in a rounded knob, possibly suggesting an animal snout; one edge of the plate with a central projecting lobe, used to form the nose of a stylised face with engraved detail resembling the paired spirals flowing up to form arching eyebrows and and eye features; above right of the face running up the top of the fitting an engraved piece of knotwork creating a four-lobed design of a band running off from the the knotwork towards the break. See The Portable Antiquities Scheme, nos.SUR-4D80E6 and HAMP-564699, for similar cheek pieces of Williams type 2 in both form and decoration. 36.7 grams, 63 mm (2 1/2 in.). [No Reserve] Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Folkestone and Hythe, Kent, UK. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-FD1DDE. 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.