Viking Age Silver Chain

Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset knapped flint blade. 3.41 grams, 27 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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.

Comprising a round-section hoop coiled around itself forming an interwoven spiral bezel. 3.47 grams, 23.07 mm overall, 18.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Broad sheet-bronze disc with band of repoussé bosses to the edge, applied cross-bands to the obverse and central boss; applied attachment loop with tremolier detailing. 60 grams, 12.1 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.