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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 Scandinavian Silver-Gilt Pendant with Regardant Beast
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Disc with integral suspension loop secured at the reverse; beaded wire rim enclosing a filigree motif of a beast in profile with its head turned backwards towards its own raised tail. 4.61 grams, 38 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
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. -
Viking Age Twisted Bronze Bracelet
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Penannular with twisted twisted rod shank, returned loop finials. 70 grams, 66 mm
Private European collection formed before 2000. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.
