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LOT 1603
Viking Age Iron Axe-Hammer
CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
7 3/4 in. (324 grams, 19.5 cm).
With a broad curved blade, narrow neck and hammer extension to the rear; round socket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Californian, USA, gentleman, dating back to the late 1960s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate LII, item 15.
FootnotesThe more common weapons of Finno-Ugrian people were axes commonly found from all Finnic areas, as well as spears. Among Baltic-Finnic people, especially in Finland and Karelia, knives called 'puukko' were common, as well as axes, spears, flat bows and long bows, while swords were usually imported from Germanic areas, Sweden or from elsewhere Scandinavia, some having often typically Scandinavian animal ornaments, although there are some Finnish made finds too.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Silver Cross Pendant
10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £120
Cross pommée with raised ribs to the obverse, central boss, pierced lug above. 19.2 grams, 53 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Viking Period Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, with glass insert. 1.37 grams, 17 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
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. -
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Bracelet
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With a round-section penannular body with expanding terminals; the upper face with punched dot motifs and herringbone pattern to the flaring terminals. 14.6 grams, 61 mm
UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
