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LOT 0259
Viking Age Gold Hammer Amulet
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.57 grams, 20 mm).
A sheet-gold hammer amulet formed by doubling a single gold sheet; bifacial pellet ornament tracing the perimeter of the hammer and a central motif mimicking the broad plan of the weapon; suspension loop formed within the fold at the neck.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
The techniques used to manufacture this pendant (working sheet gold and granulation) had been in the repertoire of the Scandinavian goldsmith since the Iron Age and formed part of the manufacturing process for bracteate pendants and other jewellery items (Reynolds Brown, K. et al., From Attila to Charlemagne. Arts of the Early Medieval Period in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2000, p.15-16, 310-1).
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Twisted Bracelet
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A penannular bronze bracelet with a decoratively twisted round-section body tapering towards the terminals. 23 grams, 66 mm
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Viking Period Lock and Key Group
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
A group of iron keys and a lock; two keys with sith a cruciform head, crimped edges and central void; one with a square head with spur to each angle; one with T-shaped head and vertical spurs; one with a disc finial, square void with rounded edges; one iron barrel padlock with hasp. applied decorative bands to the body. 407 grams total, 9.5-15.5 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. -
Viking Age Silver Axe Pendant
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
A silver pendant composed of a free-running axehead pendant suspended on a slender hoop with overlapping arms and coiled terminals. 1.28 grams, 28 mm
Acquired in the 1990s. UK private collection. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.