Loading, please wait...
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.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
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. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Fenris Wolf Strap End
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising an elongated plate with longitudinal split and rivet, animal-head decoration to the narrow end; openwork scrolled tendril motif developing to a sinuous beast. 9.38 grams, 54 mm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection. -
Large Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch Pair
9th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Comprising: two elliptical bronze tortoise brooches, each a domed openwork shell with raised ornament of five bell-shaped studs and four Borre Style beasts; frieze of profile beasts to the lower edge and flange rim; catchplate, pin-hinge and pendant attachment bar to the reverse with mineralised remains of textile backing; repaired. 218 grams total, 10.8-11.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
