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LOT 1191
Viking Age Silver Boat-Shaped Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (1.47 grams, 24 mm).
Composed of a shallow crescentic body and openwork filigree loop. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
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): £624
Formed as a gold cap with rounded claws, set with polished glass gem; integral suspension loop with a later jump ring. 0.64 grams, 21 mm
From a late Japanese specialist 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. '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 Pendant Collection
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising: a lunar pendant with segmented bar and suspension loop; a discoid plaque likely portraying Odin gripping ravens; pendant with domed body and vegetal motif, suspension loop above; a trapezoidal pendant with suspension loop, displaying an animal mask in relief featuring long, curled whiskers extending the height of the plaque. 18 grams total, 19-25 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Silver Pendant with Gripping Beast
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Of Riddarholmen type (also widespread in the historical Rus region), with integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. 13.3 grams, 40 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
