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LOT 1577
Viking Age Bronze 'Great Beast' Horse Figure
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (30 grams, 59 mm).
Hollow-formed finial in the shape of a stylised horse with scrolled tail, arcading to the mane, applied strap and pellet harness detailing. [No Reserve]
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.12078-213598.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Bronze Bracelet Group
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising: braided wire penannular bracelet with with clubbed finials; twisted rod bracelet with polyhedral finials. 57.2 grams total, 55-63 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Viking Period Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, with carnelian insert. 0.78 grams, 16 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese 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: 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 Axe Silver Axe-Shaped Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Curved blade attached to a wire hoop with the ends wound round the shank. 1.61 grams, 34 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
