Loading, please wait...
LOT 1271
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
5/8 in. (1.31 grams, 16 mm high).
A gold 'elf shot' pendant with arch-shaped body and collared suspension loop, set with a polished garnet or amethyst stone.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
See Evans, J., The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, p.365, for discussion of curated stone blades for magical and curative purposes.
FootnotesThis 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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Viking Period Silver Ring and Bird Pendant Group
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
A trio of silver jewellery items comprising: two slender annular rings with overlapping terminals and coiled collars; a free-running pendant in the form of a stylised bird with eye and body detailing, three suspension loops and remaining chain links below. 7.51 grams total, 22-53 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Viking Period Silver Bracelet with Bee
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A slender silver child's bracelet, composed of a decoratively twisted round-section hoop with overlapping terminals, one formed with a stylised bee or other winged insect. 1.91 grams, 55 mm high
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Viking Period Silver Coiled Ring
8th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £416
A coiled silver ring comprising five slender tiers and tapering terminals, the central three coils plain, the upper and lower most tiers decorated with punched rectangles within expanded elliptical panels. 5.25 grams, 21.85 mm overall, 17.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.
