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LOT 1732
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Key
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (43.8 grams, 11.6 cm).
Comprising a round-section tapering shank with ribbed collar to each end; polyhedral block to each end, quatrefoil bit with openwork design, pierced suspension lug.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Lehtosalo-Hilander, P-L., Luistari II. The Artefacts, Helsinki, 1982, pl.111 (4252).
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 Silver Elfshot Pendant with Stone Arrowhead
9th-11th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £572
An amulet with a silver cap securing an arrow-shaped flint insert. 2.43 grams, 34 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
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. -
Viking Silver Necklace Pendant with Mosaic Beads
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Bronze wire loop with ends twisted around the shank, three mosaic glass beads. 11.6 grams, 43 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Howling Beast Stirrup Apex Mount
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With mounting hole at the apex and two to the lower edge, vestigial ledge to the reverse, reserved central motif of a wolf in profile with head thrown back; Williams's Class A Type 11. 20.5 grams, 55 mm
Found Norfolk, UK.
