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LOT 1816
Viking Age Gold Elfshot Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
2 1/4 in. (1.64 grams, 57 mm).
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset knapped flint blade.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a late Japanese collector, 1970s.
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.
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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Pre-Viking Heavy Silver-Gilt Belt Mount Set
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising: four cruciform mounts, each domed with reserved silver niello-filled interlaced cross on a billeted parcel-gilt field, mounting hole to each end, some with studs; T-shaped mount with reserved loops and bars on a billeted parcel-gilt field, loops above the vertical shank and fixing pin to angle; similar mount with ferrous remains to the hinge. 74 grams total, 41-49 mm
European art market. Acquired in Münich in 2012. European private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12289-222348. 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. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Cross Cross Mount
Carolingian, 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Fragment from a decorative appliqué with high-relief scrolled tendril ornament. 9.37 grams, 28 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Anglia private collector. 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: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £140
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.
