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LOT 1435
Viking Age Silver and Other Pendant Collection
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 - 1 1/4 in. (16 grams total, 23-31 mm).
Comprising: two with voids and median arrowhead; one with void and lobe; one with central boss, punched; one a dirham. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.LVIII (19), for type.
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 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-Gilt Twisted Ring
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Composed of a round-section hoop which tapers towards the hoop base, forming coiled wire sleeves, the bezel decoratively twisted and entwined with segmented strands of silver wire. 8.53 grams, 28.10 mm overall, 19.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
The socket with a sub-triangular cross-section, bearded cheek and convex cutting edge. 833 grams, 17 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
