Recently Sold (PGP184)

Viking Meets Christianity - Ancient 8th-11th Century Bronze Cross Pendant.  This fantastic pendant is crafted from  bronze. Featuring quality bronze work, fantastic detailing and a wonderful deep aged patina.  This cross has a beautiful unique shape, and interesting punch-work solar detail on one side with a smooth finish on the back from wear throughout the ages.  The antiquity has been matched up to a contemporary bronze chain with a secure lobster claw clasp. This amazing Viking piece would make a perfect unique gift or addition to any early collection. 

The Viking Age (793–1066 AD) was the period during the Middle Ages when Norsemen known as Vikings undertook large-scale raiding, colonizing, conquest and trading throughout Europe, and reached North America. It followed the Migration Period and the Germanic Iron Age.

As King of Wessex at the age of 21, Alfred (reigned 871-99) was a strongminded but highly strung battle veteran at the head of remaining resistance to the Vikings in southern England. ... In May 878, Alfred'sarmy defeated the Danes at the battle of Edington.

The events of 1066 in England effectively marked the end of the Viking Age. By that time, all of the Scandinavian kingdoms were Christian, and what remained of Viking “culture” was being absorbed into the culture of Christian Europe. 

The final Viking invasion of England came in 1066, when Harald Hardrada sailed up the River Humber and marched to Stamford Bridge with his men. His battle banner was called Land-waster. The English king, Harold Godwinson, marched north with his army and defeated Hardrada in a long and bloody battle.

Artifacts are luxury items, they can be worn with care.  To clean, use damp cloth with water only (not saturated) and pat dry immediately with soft cloth. 

Measurements: Pendant 46.00 mm x 28.00 mm  Chain 20" 

Weight: 8.90 grams 

Condition: Excellent  Note: Fine state of preservation. 

Origin: Northern Europe : From private collection. 

Date: 8th-11th Century