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LOT 0304
Viking Age Gold Open-Ended Ring
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.43 grams, 23.67 mm overall, 18.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)).
Formed as a coiled gold rod with overlapped ends; possibly from a hoard of gold and hacksilver.
ProvenanceEx Alexander Cotton collection, Brockenhurst, UK, 1970s.
Private collection Surrey, UK, 2000s.
See Graham-Campbell, J., The Cuerdale Hoard and Related Viking-Age Silver and Gold From Britain and Ireland in the British Museum, London, 2011, p.100-101, for full discussion.
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Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £390
Formed as a gold cap set with polished glass gem; suspension loop above. 0.85 grams, 17 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described 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. -
Viking Age Silver and Other Pendant Collection
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Comprising: one domed disc with granulation and central cell; one gilt disc with kolovrat spinning-wheel motif; one dirhem Arabic coin with applied ribbed loop; one cast disc with high-relief Ringerike style serpent motif reserved on a pounced field; one plain disc with applied loop. 35.8 grams total, 24-41 mm
Acquired before 1990. Ex property of a professional collector. -
Viking Age Silver and Other Pendant Collection
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Comprising: two with voids and median arrowhead; one with void and lobe; one with central boss, punched; one a dirham. 16 grams total, 23-31 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
