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LOT 1786
Viking Age Bronze Decorated Axe Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (4.82 grams, 31 mm).
Formed as a miniature axehead with broad blade, ribbed border and three ring-and-dot motifs, flat socket pierced for suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Anglo-Saxon and Viking Bronze Artefact Group
6th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Including scabbard chape with zoomorphic head decoration, coiled ring with engraved geometric design, a zoomorphic head mount, coiled pin with globular finial and others. 155 grams total, 23-62 mm
Found East Anglia, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Bronze Fire Steel with Figure and Animals
8th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
With openwork bifacial handle depicting central standing figure with arms outstretched towards the necks of two flanking rampant beasts; iron blade beneath; Finno-Ugric type. 58 grams, 60 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Gold Elfshot Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £780
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset knapped flint blade. 1.64 grams, 57 mm
From the collection of a late Japanese collector, 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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.