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LOT 1742
Large Viking Age Bronze Bar with Button Neck Torc
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
8 5/8 in. (210 grams, 22 cm).
Round-section bar with loop to one end and polyhedral stud to the other. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market since the early 2000s.
From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M.
Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, p.309, item 32; see Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, LXI, 32; XCII, 19, for similar items.
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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Viking Age Bronze Coiled Ring Pair
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Each a ribbed silver ring of Lehtosalo-Hilander's Type III, with central horizontal linear band and the hoop a continuation of the central rib extending to form a thin coiled rod at each end. 13.11 grams total, 21-23 mm
Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M. -
Viking Age Silver Ring with Coiled Bezel
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Formed as a tapering wire hoop with the ends bound round the shank. 0.60 grams, 19.28 mm overall, 15.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s. -
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £208
Decorated sheet gold sleeve, hoof-shaped stone mounted in the socket; loop absent. 0.18 grams, 10 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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.
