Large Viking Age Silver-Gilt Pendant with Entwined Beasts

Comprising three shallow-domed plate brooches each with low-relief zoomorphic ornament and a narrow ledged rim; to the reverse, a small catch and T-shaped pin-lug; one with textile remains in situ. 140 grams total, 77-80 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Formed as a gold cap with rounded claws, set with polished glass gem; integral suspension loop with a later jump ring. 0.64 grams, 21 mm



From a late Japanese specialist 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. 'Elfshot' described 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.

Displaying facetted terminals displaying punched circlets, pelletted triangles and faux ropework to the body and faux ropework to the articulate pin head. 21.9 grams, 39 mm wide



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Penannular brooches with facetted terminals were part of the famous Kostivere hoard, found in Estonia, deposited in around 1220-1230 during the wars of Estonians against the Germans and Danes. The annular brooches with animal ornaments in Urnes style were considered by the archaeologists definitely Scandinavian, more specifically from Gotland.