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LOT 1225
Viking Age Bronze Sword Scabbard Chape
9TH CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (24.1 grams, 66 mm).
With tongue-shaped body and scalloped upper edges, bifacial Oseberg Style openwork design, faux-ropework upper borders and carinated lower rim. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Paulsen, P., Schwertortbänder der Wikingerzeit, Stuttgart, 1953, items 53, 58, 61 (Ortbänder im Tierstil des Ostseekreises).
FootnotesChapes (ferrules) of 10th-11th century A.D. have been found in all territories reached by the Vikings in Europe and Asia, mostly in the Baltic regions. Ornamental ferrules were cast in copper-alloy, or occasionally silver or tin or gilded. In proportion to the large number of swords from the Viking Age a very few metal ferrules have been found.
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Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £624
Formed as a gold cap with rounded claws, set with polished glass gem; integral suspension loop with a later jump ring. 0.64 grams, 21 mm
From a late Japanese specialist 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. '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 Bronze Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With penannular hoop, shallow horizontal channel to the bezel displaying decorative notching above and below. 24.2 grams, 68 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise-Type Brooch Group
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Comprising three shallow-domed plate brooches each with low-relief zoomorphic ornament and a narrow ledged rim; to the reverse, a small catch and T-shaped pin-lug; one with textile remains in situ. 140 grams total, 77-80 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
