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LOT 1337
Viking Age Bronze Cross Mount
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (17.7 grams, 26 mm).
Or strap distributor; formed with four scrolled arms radiating from the quadrants of a central cross; four cylindrical struts to the reverse and a similarly-shaped reverse plate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Bronze Ring Brooch with Amulets
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
The round-bodied brooch with articulate flat-section tongue, adorned with three free-running flat-section rings, a decorated sheet-gold axe-head ornament attached to the central ring. 3.2 grams, 22 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
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. -
Viking Age Bronze Axehead Amulet
Circa 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With scooped blade, hammer to the reverse. 2.05 grams, 27 mm
From the collection of Alan Hardcastle. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.