Viking Age Bronze Bar Bracelet

Comprising a trapezoidal openwork plate and integral buckle loop; the loop domed in section with triangular extension to the forward edge and raised billets, flat-section coiled tongue; the plate formed as a facing lupine head with reserved running zigzag to each flanking foreleg attached to the rear of the loop; Western Baltic type. 26.89, 65.98 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Comprising a silver sleeve with a knapped flint arrowhead, a circular cell set with a clear glass cabochon above. 3.46 grams, 44.84 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

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.

With a penannular slender body and striated terminals with beast-head finials. 1.84 grams, 24.13 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.