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LOT 1594
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Fenris Wolf Strap End
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (9.38 grams, 54 mm).
Comprising an elongated plate with longitudinal split and rivet, animal-head decoration to the narrow end; openwork scrolled tendril motif developing to a sinuous beast. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Thomas, G., Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age Strap-Ends 750-1100: Part 2, Finds Research Group datasheet 33, Sleaford, 2007, item 36.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Stirrup Apex Mount
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Pentagonal mount with central hole, vestigial ledge to the reverse, low-relief addorsed dragon-head motif; apex lobe absent; Williams's Class A Type 1. 21 grams, 47 mm
Found Wiltshire, UK, 2010. -
Viking Age Silver Decorated Duck-Foot Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Trapezoidal plaque with geometric detailing, suspension loop. 4.32 grams, 35 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Viking Period Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, with carnelian insert. 0.78 grams, 16 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period.
