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LOT 0384
Pre-Viking Gilt Bronze Fitting with Mask Between Ravens
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (3 1/2 in.) (5.57 grams, 28 mm (31.7 grams total, 89 mm high including stand)).
D-shaped plaque formed as two birds of prey in profile framing a facing mask; the neck of each bird a band with tremello fill, similar band extending from the bird's head to the sides of the mask and to a crescent panel above; looped tendril fill; reverse with shallow loop and remains of a second; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market, 1993.
Private collection, London.
Cf. Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B., Fuglen, Dyret og Mennesket i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, vol.2, Borgen, 2005, pls.21, 24, 25, 35, for type.
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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LOT 0384
Pre-Viking Gilt Bronze Fitting with Mask Between Ravens
Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
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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. -
Large Viking Age Bronze Coiled Wire Neck Torc
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a single coiled rod with ribbed detailing, overlapping arms and loop terminals, one with securing button. 264 grams, 23.2 cm
Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M. -
Viking Bronze and Lead Gaming Piece Group
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Comprising a lead disc with central gouge to one face, bronze disc with central recess and inset silver stud, radiating triangular punchmarks. 28.9 grams total, 22 mm each
From a private Barnsley, UK, family collection.