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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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Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Stirrup Terminal with Beast
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
With beast-head and other detailing, hollow to the underside. 15.3 grams, 31 mm
Found Cambridgeshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Large Scandinavian Viking Bronze Horse Harness Pendant
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Broad sheet-bronze disc with band of repoussé bosses to the edge, applied cross-bands to the obverse and central boss; applied attachment loop with tremolier detailing. 60 grams, 12.1 cm
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. -
Scandinavian Viking Silver Dragon-Headed Iron Pin
10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
With silver head comprising a profile dragon-head with openwork jaws, hatched detailing to face and neck, collar with pierced lug to rear; attached to round-section iron spike; short length of double-loop chain attached to lug. 75 grams, 14.7 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12733-234716. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
