Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Quatrefoil Dragon-Whorl Mount
Circa 9th-10th century A.D. A copper-alloy mount formed as an openwork whorl composed of four central lozenges encircled by sinuous entwined dragonesque beasts, pierced at the node to accept an inset glass bead or cabochon. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.99 (12), for type. 9.28 grams, 32 mm (1 1/4 in.). Found UK.Acquired in the 1990s.From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.