Viking Age Silver Axe Pendant

A silver pendant formed as a miniature bucket with applied filigree bands to the strap handle and body, granules to the median panel of the body and at the junction with the handle. 4.28 grams, 25 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.

A suite of bronze and iron fittings for a display belt including a buckle with openwork plate, tongue-shaped end, rectangular repoussé mounts, some with slots to the lower edge to accept a strap to mount a purse, knife or other item, strap-distributor with circular central element and three attachment mounts. 130 grams total, 17-97 mm



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.

A trio of silver jewellery items comprising: two slender annular rings with overlapping terminals and coiled collars; a free-running pendant in the form of a stylised bird with eye and body detailing, three suspension loops and remaining chain links below. 7.51 grams total, 22-53 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.