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LOT 1265
Scandinavian Viking Equal-Arm Brooch
9TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (32.7 grams, 73 mm).
A bronze equal-arm brooch of Aargård Type III A, with central segmented boss, symmetrical flanges with low-relief geometric ornament and trefoil finial, raised studs to the panels of the trefoils and the central boss, pin to the reverse with lugs and separate rivetted catch (ancient repair?), single link from a copper-alloy suspension chain attached beside the pin-lug. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 1960.
From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s.
See Aargaard, G.B., Gleivasrmige Spangen in Arwidsson, G. (ed.), Systemastische Analysen der Graberfunde Birka II:2, Stockholm, 1986; Kershaw, J.F., Viking Identities. Scandinavian Jewellery in England, Oxford, 2013, item 3.50.
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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A mixed group of bronze penannular brooches: one with polyhedral finials; one with domed square finials; one with everted dragon-head finials. 124 grams, 46-67 mm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. -
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-12th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £260
A gold 'elf shot' pendant with arch-shaped body and collared suspension loop, set with a polished garnet or amethyst stone. 1.31 grams, 16 mm high
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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. -
Viking Age Gold Repoussé Pendant
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
A bifacial repoussé gold pendant with tubular suspension loop embellished with granules. 0.34 grams, 14 mm
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