Caledonianforge

Self taught goldsmith from North East Scotland specialising in Historical reproduction and experimental archaeology

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@KPHooker Aye some sort of dragon/bear/dog thing

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

I have made some new treasures! All based on early medieval artefacts found across Britain and Ireland. Not had a huge amount of time for photos and new listings this week but will try and have these uploaded over the weekend!

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@Tom_Rowsell Cheers. I get carried away making random stuff, my ACTUAL hoard is utterly ridiculous.

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@A61587Anwar Thank you :)

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@IrnMoo Either tamata saas or reed saas.

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@Sagnamadr The more I have thought about this I must say I think you are spot on. The "brooch fittings" dont appear to be seperate additions as is usually the case with these sort of "brooches" and are longer than usual so perhaps it hasn't been turned into a brooch at all!

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

A wax carving I started over a year ago but have revisited (the green bits mostly) over the last few days and just need to finish off. Ireland: Unprovenanced Insular object turned into a brooch, possibly Islandbridge. Once cast in bronze the whole thing will be gold plated.

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

It’s always good fun bringing reproductions to museums when visiting for research to compare replicas with the originals. Heres a wee tour of the @nationalmuseumss

What do you recognise and what would enjoy seeing made next?

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

These pendants are based on two seperate insular mount finds from Water Newton, Cambridgeshire and Sheriff Hutton, North Yorkshire. Found 200km apart but absolutely identical. The original artefacts give a fascinating glimpse into Viking age trade networks!

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@never_cursed_88 @urlofcork @jk_rowling I speak exactly like that... I'm from Peterhead. Population of just under 20k, not exactly "very remote".

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

Scar Plaque Pendant in Silver - based on a Viking Age whale bone plaque found in Scar, Orkney. Available now!

#viking #vikingjewellery #orkney #handmadeinscotland

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

Some new treasures are available now, take a look! In this precious bunch there is an improved version of the Whalebone Dragon Plaque pendant in silver.

This miniature piece is based on Viking grave find from Scar, Orkney.

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

With Summer Solstice approaching, let’s talk about sunwheels. One of the oldest, if not THE oldest, symbol in the world. Its meaning varies between different cultures, though commonly linked to sun worship.

What does this symbol mean to you? Do you celebrate Summer Solstice?

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@AnywhereSmwhere Thank you :)

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

Viking stye money rings - commonly used in Early Medieval times as currency, now as precious heirlooms. These are all ready for posting! Which stye is your favourite? Twisted wire, stamped details, or intricate head terminals like the goddess Morrigan’s crows shown here?

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@AnInnes3 I live in 9 and pretty much only go on holiday in 9 too so Id be sorted. Love Aberdeenshire, Angus Moray and Fife are great, best parts of Scotland.

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

@Sagnamadr That did cross my mind! Id really like to see the original piece from all angles to work out how the brooch fittings have been added, I don't believe there is any information about the artefact online.

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

I make a pendant based on a viking age insular trade weight.

Then I hack it up and turn it into a viking age insular trade weight 🤷‍♂️

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

This brooch is based on an artefact which was found in Edinburgh castle, a type of adornment from the late Iron Age/Roman period known as a “Dragonesque Brooch”.

There are many examples of similar brooches from that time period, all having a dragon-like figure.

[Caledonianforge @caledonianforge]

This heavy piece is based on the 10th century Anglo Saxon trewhiddle style pectoral cross from the Galloway Hoard which was buried in south western Scotland. The original must have been quite a significant piece of jewellery when it was made with very symbolic details.