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LOT 1203
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3/4 in. (0.93 grams, 18 mm).
Formed as a gold cap set with polished agate 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:
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Viking Age Silver-Gilt Jar with Interlaced Design and Pseudo-Arabic Inscription
Circa 11th century A.D.Estimate: £8,000 - 10,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £4,444
With later gilded outer face, globular body on a low splayed foot-ring, rolled rim; repoussé ornament comprising a circumferential ring below the neck, two parallel rings to the equator above a band of looped and interlaced tendrils with leaves and ring below, hatching to the foot-ring; median band with legend in Pseudo-Arabic script. 301 grams, 10.6 cm high
Fair condition.
In a private German collection since the 1980s. Property of a gentleman; acquired on the UK art market in 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11007-181733. -
Viking Age Bronze Trefoil Strap Junction
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Composed of a slightly domed openwork body, the central arms with simple incised geometric detailing and central boss, free-running attachment bars above. 15.5 grams, 89 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Finno-Ugrian Socketted Axehead
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Hand-forged with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin and spur to the rear, socket with flanges to the rear. 569 grams, 17.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
During the mid 13th century, the axes were favourite weapons among Baltic people. For instance, the Curonian army included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield and a wide-bladed axe.
