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LOT 0332
Viking Age Silver Bracelet with Pendants
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (28.75 grams total, bracelet 88.90 mm wide).
With graduated silver wire coils to the shank, collection of free-running cosmetic grooming pendants comprising: pelta-shaped plaque, quadrant-shaped plaque, ear scoop, miniature hammer, tweezers. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFormerly acquired in the late 1950s.
From the family collection of a South East London collector.
Cf. Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pls.104-105, for similar bracelets with pendants; Fuglesang, S.H., ‘Viking and medieval amulets in Scandinavia’ in Fornvännen, Journal of Swedish Antiquarian research 1989, no. 84, pp.15-27, fig.2.
FootnotesMiniature hammers occur in pre-Viking times both in Scandinavia and in England, but their number increased markedly in Viking Scandinavia. They are known in iron, bronze, occasionally amber, and, from the 10th century onward, silver. They are predominantly found in women's graves, while most of the silver examples come from hoards of the late 10th and 11th centuries.
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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Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £326
Irregular hoop with ends coiled about the shank. 2.11 grams, 21.95 mm overall, 19.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970s. -
Viking Axe Silver Axe-Shaped Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Curved blade attached to a wire hoop with the ends wound round the shank. 1.61 grams, 34 mm
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Viking Period Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, with carnelian insert. 0.78 grams, 16 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese 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: 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.
