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LOT 0381
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch with Ravens
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 in. (62.6 grams, 80 mm).
With domed elliptical body and narrow flange, high-relief palmette ornament and omega-shaped panels and opposed ravens with curved beaks.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Nerman, B., Die Vendelzeit Gotlands, Stockholm, 1969, pl.VII:5, item 271; cf. Hildebrand, H., Kongl. Vitterhets Historie Och Antiqvitets Akademiens Manadsblad, Stockholm, 1876, fig.82; Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Graber, Uppsala, 1940, fig.151.
FootnotesThe silvery appearance of the brooch is probably due to a high proportion of tin in the bronze alloy.
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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LOT 0381
Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch with Ravens
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Scandinavian Gold Filigree Pendant with Terslev Motif
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
Disc with integral loop secured at the reverse; obverse with applied filigree Terslev ornament of three radiating looped knots and interstitial loops. 7.99 grams, 40 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12113-212333. -
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
Bell-shaped cup with suspension loop, inset irregular amethyst. 0.73 grams, 15 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 Scandinavian Silver-Gilt Pendant with Regardant Beast
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Disc with integral suspension loop secured at the reverse; beaded wire rim enclosing a filigree motif of a beast in profile with its head turned backwards towards its own raised tail. 4.61 grams, 38 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
