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LOT 1490
Viking Age Bronze Purse Fitting
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (45 grams, 10.8 cm).
Crescentic in plan with a triangular cross-section, both faces displaying panels of lozenges, each with a punched annulet to centre; piercing to one arm. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a 1970s collection.
Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection, since 2017.
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AUCTIONS:
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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 Bar Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £234
Of penannular form with expanded terminals. 40.7 grams, 64 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Of penannular form, facetted cross-section and punched geometric decoration. 36.8 grams, 71 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
