Medieval - Irish Drinking Horn Bird Mount > Lot No. 845

Description:
10th-12th century AD. An aviform mount comprising a sharply beaked head extending to a curved D-section neck with herringbone patterning along the sides, its back and tail decorated with a pattern of inlaid yellow enamel lozenge panels, between its vestigial legs a fine transverse pin allowing it to be attached to a drinking horn.

Measurements:
8.71 grams, 52.69 mm.

Condition:
Complete and in fine condition, minor chipping and loss to the enamel.

References:
Cf. Wallace & Ó Floinn, Treasures of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, 2002 fig.6:6.

Provenance:
Found Shropshire.

Low estimate: £1,200
High estimate: £1,800

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH