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_900x900.jpg "Scandinavian Viking Silver Equal-Arm Brooch with Animals")
_200x200.jpg "Scandinavian Viking Silver Equal-Arm Brooch with Animals")
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LOT 0397
Scandinavian Viking Silver Equal-Arm Brooch with Animals
CIRCA 8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 in. (64 grams, 80 mm).
With flexed bow and trefoil ends, each with a granule to each lobe and incised geometric hatching, two small voids and applied bust of a bear with forepaws raised to the cheeks; central disc with hatched crown and knop finial; iron pin and catch to the underside.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12071-213599.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.82(4a).
FootnotesThe exact identity of the animals is disputed: on some examples, such as those from Birka published by Arbman, the animals have an ursine quality whereas the present ones look more like mice or squirrels.
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 0397
Scandinavian Viking Silver Equal-Arm Brooch with Animals
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
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Viking Bronze Openwork Applique
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £878
Flat bronze plaque with openwork detailing of two opposed zoomorphs, their slender bodies enmeshed within a lattice of tails, limbs and lappets; attachment holes at the eyes and rump; the eyes with pointillé surround; supplied with a custom-made stand. 20 grams total, 75 mm including stand
Ex German collection. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 8 March 2016, 58A. Private American collection, New York, USA. Accompanied by a copy of a previous typed catalogue page.
The style of the plaque is very heavily influenced by the Irish Book of Kells where confronted, interlaced figures appear as ornament. -
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
Bell-shaped cup with suspension loop, inset irregular amethyst. 0.73 grams, 15 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. -
Viking Age Gold Ring with Five Pendants
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Wire ring with ends wound around the shank; miniature tool pendants including a sickle, mirror, dagger, spike and skillet. 2.81 grams, 30 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.
