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LOT 1269
Viking Age Miniature Gold Shield Boss
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (10.2 grams, 18 mm).
A miniature sheet-gold domed shield boss, embellished with repoussé concentric dots orbiting a larger central dome.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Period Pennanular Brooch Collection
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
A mixed group of bronze penannular brooches: one with polyhedral finials; one with domed square finials; one with everted dragon-head finials. 124 grams, 46-67 mm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. -
Viking Period Silver Bracelet with Bee
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A slender silver child's bracelet, composed of a decoratively twisted round-section hoop with overlapping terminals, one formed with a stylised bee or other winged insect. 1.91 grams, 55 mm high
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-12th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £260
A gold 'elf shot' pendant with arch-shaped body and collared suspension loop, set with a polished garnet or amethyst stone. 1.31 grams, 16 mm high
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.
