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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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Viking Period Bronze Twisted Neck Torc
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £234
Round-section penannular body with decorative twist, coiled flattened finials. 46 grams, 13.6 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Bronze Artefact Group
6th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Including scabbard chape with zoomorphic head decoration, coiled ring with engraved geometric design, a zoomorphic head mount, coiled pin with globular finial and others. 155 grams total, 23-62 mm
Found East Anglia, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Bear's Tooth Pendant with Bronze Fittings
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Comprising a large bear's tooth pierced with bronze coiled loop, remains of double-link chain and rusted iron ring. 36.3 grams, 95 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.
