9th century AD. A pair of silver-gilt plaque fragments: one a square fragment with gilt images of a ram and sheep, rivetted clasps to short edges for attaching to the helmet bowl; the other an oval-shaped fragment, possibly a cheekpiece, with a gilt image of a gryphon and two swans joined at the tails, three rivets below and two above; mounted on custom-made stands. 877 grams total, 22.5-23.5cm including stand (9 - 9 1/4"). Property of a London businessman; formerly in an East European private collection, 1990s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10295-168733.[2]