Large Viking Silver Pendant with Concentric Circle Design

Formed as a gold cap set with polished agate gem; suspension loop above. 0.93 grams, 18 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

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.

Modelled standing left with stylised detailing; likely a cockerel; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 6.4 grams, 26 mm



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

Similar brooches are known from Denmark and some examples show us a very similar form and decoration. So far England is the only area outside Scandinavia where bird brooches similar to those discovered in Denmark have been found. The archaeological finds indicate close contacts between England and Denmark in the first half of the 11th century. Anne Pedersen suggests that Byzantium art may be a source of inspiration for these specific type of brooches as is evident from the Danish coinage of the 11th century that direct or indirect influence from Constantinople played an important role, especially in connection with the presence of Danish mercenaries in the Varangian Guard of the Roman emperor.

Domed with stylised zoomorphic design, with the remains of the spring hinge and catchplate to verso. 7 grams, 25 mm



Acquired late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex private collection, Nottinghamshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market in 2012. Property of a Kent lady collector.