VIKING PROTECTIVE BROOCH, 10TH-11TH CENTURY AD

Silvered bronze, 1 3/8” (1.37”) diameter, circular with rounded face and near flat back forming ridged edges. Tapered cross pin.  When fastened to the jerkin, these small metal brooches provided a measure of protection against sword cuts and, in fact, were a form of armor.  In addition to being more decorative, examples of this form provided added protection with the trailing tails. See current Public Television programming for documentation of these in action. As protectors, they also held spiritual significance for the warrior. Degraded from burial and professionally refurbished with the pure silver overlay restored. Suspended from an 18” Sterling silver mounted polished leather neck cord. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.