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LOT 1575
Viking Age Silver Broad Axe Pendant with Radiant Sun
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
1 1/4 in. (1.92 grams, 32 mm).
Axehead with sunburst motif to one face, on suspension loop with coiled ends.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Silver-Gilt Brooch with Interlaced Birds
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Slightly domed profile with boss to the centre, parcel-gilt rim and spandrels, niello-inlaid motif of four bird-heads on curved necks; pin-lugs, hinged pin, catch and loop to the reverse. 23.7 grams, 44 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Age Bronze Twisted Bracelet
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Penannular in form with tightly twisted central band, pointed finials. 80 grams, 76 mm
From a London collection; acquired on the UK and European art markets before 2001. -
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £312
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, aqua glass insert. 0.55 grams, 16 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: 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.
