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LOT 1633
Viking Age Gold Elfshot Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3/4 in. (1.30 grams, 19 mm).
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset glass bead.
ProvenanceEx property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: 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 Lead Gaming Piece
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Hollow-formed and pyramidal in profile with open underside. 10.5 grams, 19 mm
Found Yorkshire, UK. From the private collection of Robin Sykes, Yorkshire, UK, formed since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Gold Bead
Circa 6th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Spherical with beaded collar to each opening. 1.99 grams, 14 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Gilt Bronze Brooch with Beast Heads
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Lozengiform in plan with central cross, the arms with beast-heads, central rectangular boss; remains of pin-lugs and catchplate to the reverse. 7.38 grams, 25 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
