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LOT 1477
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3/4 in. (0.85 grams, 17 mm).
Formed as a gold cap set with polished glass gem; suspension loop above.
ProvenanceAcquired 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Decorated Silver Coiled Ring
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With raised medial rib to the expanded bezel, zigzags above and below, tapering coiled arms. 6.55 grams, 22.65 mm overall, 17.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Axe-Shaped Pendant Pair
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Each composed of an annular hoop suspending a stylised axe head with palmette style heads; two rivets to reverse of each. 6.28 grams total, 31-32 mm
Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. -
Viking Age Bronze Artefact Collection
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising: an ovoid pendant with openwork centre and simple decoration; mount with rectangular headplate, bow and foot, with four piercings; lunar pendant with geometric ornament and beast head terminals; belt fitting with rectangular slot and scooped sides, zoomorphic ornament; carinated ring suspending a smaller penannular ring. 32.9 grams total, 23-47 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
