Loading, please wait...
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.
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 Age Decorated Silver Coiled Ring
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Composed of an expanded bezel with raised medial rib with zigzags above and below, each arm tapering to a slender coil. 5.03 grams, 21.35 mm overall, 17.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Bird Brooch with Cross
Circa 8th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Weetch Type 30b; possibly in the form of a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, standing in profile left, a Christian cross projecting from its back, some stylised detailing to the feathers; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 6.7 grams, 33 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-5DED86. -
Viking Age Bronze Decorated Penannular Brooch
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With square-headed terminals decorated with punched ring-and-dot motifs, free-running pin, brooch body with carinated upper face. 13.1 grams, 38 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
