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LOT 1538
Viking Age Silver Axehead Pendant
CIRCA 9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.3 grams, 27 mm).
Composed of a slender hoop with coiled wire sleeves, suspending a free-running axehead pendant. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1970s.
From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Bronze Expandable Ring
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
With broad hoop tapering to round-section extensions forming a coiled continuation of the hoop; Baltic Semigallian type. 5.25 grams, 22.88 mm overall, 19.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
From the collection of Alan Hardcastle. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection since 2015. -
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 Bronze Animal Head Mount
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
With bulbous eyes and muzzle, hollow to the reverse. 8.14 grams, 37 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
