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LOT 1407
Viking Age Bronze Belt Strap Distributor with Beast-Heads
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (18.5 grams, 40 mm).
Central dome with three radiating beast-heads gripping the outer ring in their jaws. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. MacGregor, A. et al., A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, item 24.1.
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 1407
Viking Age Bronze Belt Strap Distributor with Beast-Heads
Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
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Viking Age Decorated Ring
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Composed of a curved ellipsoidal bezel and overlapping hoop arms, bezel with geometric decoration. 5.06 grams, 24.09 mm overall, 19.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
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Viking Age Gilt Bronze 'Great Beast' Figure
Circa 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Standing with a beak-like face, ears, hooves and a long curled tail, spirals on the upper legs. 78 grams, 77 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £390
Formed as a gold cap set with polished glass gem; suspension loop above. 0.85 grams, 17 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
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.
