Loading, please wait...
LOT 1679
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Mount with Bear's Heads
11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (27.1 grams, 47 mm).
Openwork mount of Williams's Class A Type 16, tongue-shaped with tendrils and two facing bears' heads, vestigial ledge to rear and ferrous stud. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Norfolk, UK.
From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.
Cf. Williams, D., Late Saxon Stirrup-Strap Mounts, York, 1997, item 361, for type.
FootnotesThe form with two stacked facing masks is unusual, although mounts of Class B regularly feature multiple heads.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1679
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Mount with Bear's Heads
Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
-
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £650
Sheet gold sleeve and wire dangle, crystal lobed bead mounted in the socket. 0.83 grams, 23 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. -
Viking Period Silver Penannular Brooch
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Flat-section with pointillé zigzag to the obverse, coiled finials, four granule cluster, sturdy round-section pin. 4.71 grams, 30 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
.jpg)
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Wolf-Head Strap End
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Elongated plate with longitudinal split and rivet; openwork scrolled tendril motif developing to a wolf-head. 14.6 grams, 55 mm
Found Norfolk, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.
The head is sometimes attributed to Fenrir the cosmic wolf which will break free from the bonds the gods placed on it and destroy the world at the end of time.
