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LOT 0398
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Silver Necklace with Lunar Pendant
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
18 1/4 in. (77 grams, 46.5 cm).
Comprising an openwork woven chain with round-section tubular finials, the finials with applied wire and pellet decoration, a hooked clasp with a domed mount to the centre; lunate pendant with a wide ribbed loop and pellet decoration suspended from the chain.
ProvenanceAcquired in 1997.
Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12437-226708.
Cf. Makarov, N.A. ed., Rus v IX-X Vekach: Archeologicheskaya Panorama, Moscow, 2012, p.332, items 2-3; Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.98(13) for similar examples.
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 0398
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Silver Necklace with Lunar Pendant
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
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Viking Period Penannular Brooch Group
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising: a silver omega-shaped roundel with applied granule clusters; penannular brooch with scrolled finials and pin looped around the shank. 11.4 grams total, 24-41 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
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. -
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.
