Pre-Viking Gold Bracteate Pendant with Entwined Beast

Late 5th-early 6th century A.D. Of Type D, with fragmentary applied beaded wire border and ribbed suspension loop; the repoussé design a zoomorph with the body formed from looped tendrils; the head beneath the loop with C-shaped left-facing head outlined with pellets, crossbar and eye. Cf. Behr, C., New Bracteate Finds from Early Anglo-Saxon England, Medieval Archaeology, vol.54; cf. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Database, record id. IOW-125794 and KENT-0163F3, for other type D examples and further discussion.2.24 grams, 28 mm (1 in.). Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Orsett, Essex, UK, in 2015. Recorded with the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) with reference no.ESS-4FF212. Disclaimed as treasure with reference number 2015 T471.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.200403.For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price