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LOT 1227
Viking Age Gold Axe-Shaped Bead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
1/4 in. (0.34 grams, 10.34 mm).
Sheet-gold bead with applied granules to both flat faces. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Adamsen, C. et al., Sorte Muld, Rønne, 2008, p.85, item 3, for similar.
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 Silver Boat-Shaped Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Composed of a shallow crescentic body and openwork filigree loop. 1.47 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
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Viking Age Gold Chip-Carved Bronze 'Plunder' Pendant
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
The majority of an early Saxon wrist clasp with style 1 ornament, later pierced for suspension as a pendant. 3.75 grams, 26 mm
Acquired in the 1980s. Ex property of a Worcestershire gentleman. Acquired on the UK art market in 2014. Property of a Kent lady collector. -
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £468
Formed as a gold cap set with polished agate gem; suspension loop above. 0.93 grams, 18 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.
