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LOT 1547
Viking Age Bronze Necklace Bead and Pendant Group
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1/8 - 1 3/8 in. (39 grams total, 4-35 mm).
A number of trapezoidal pendants suspended on coiled hoops; together with plain tubular and coiled beads. [75, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
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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Viking Age Bronze Birka Falcon Type Sword Scabbard Chape
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Of openwork form, collared knop to tip and collared projections to apex. 31.4 grams, 71 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
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 Silver-Gilt Mount with Figure
Circa 10th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £320
Sub-rectangular with lip to the reverse; high-relief facing figure with band of straight hair, omega-shaped brow and pellet eyes, stubby body and arms, splayed legs above two omega-shaped elements forming a rosette; mounting plate absent. 15.2 grams, 32 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
The identity of the facing figure is unknown. There is an earlier, probably 9th century, Anglo-Saxon strap end with a facing nude male in low-relief which might be comparable (Thomas, 2007, item 8).