9th-10th century AD. A complete ensemble of two pierced plate tinned bronze brooches and their decorative chain attachments; the brooches tinned, with a pierced rectangular headplate and pierced expanding triangular footplate, to the reverse of each a spiral fitting to secure the ends of a pair of finely-wrought chains formed from double-links, of unequal length in order to allow the outer chain to hang below and parallel to the inner. Cf. Lehtosalo-Hilander, P-L., Luistari (Finland), A History of Weapons and Ornaments, grave 1260; plate 57, item 7. 170 grams, 71.5cm total; brooches: 61mm each (16 1/4"). From an important British collection; acquired 1990s. [No Reserve]

Very fine condition, complete and with both pins intact. Very rare.