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LOT 0329
Viking Age Silver Filigree Pendant
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (5.1 grams, 34 mm high).
Discoid with integral suspension loop, central dome, filigree scrolled knotwork and pellets. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, for discussion and comparable examples; cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, for discussion and comparable examples.
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 Elfshot Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £780
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset knapped flint blade. 1.64 grams, 57 mm
From the collection of a late Japanese collector, 1970s. 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. -
Viking Age Bronze Pendant with Bell Dangles
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Horizontal braided band with horse-head finial, suspension loop to the top; band of loops to lower edge, each with a bell dangle; Finno-Ugric type. 18.5 grams, 54 mm
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. -
Scandinavian Viking Silver Dragon-Headed Iron Pin
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
With silver head comprising a profile dragon-head with openwork jaws, hatched detailing to face and neck, collar with pierced lug to rear; attached to round-section iron spike; short length of double-loop chain attached to lug. 75 grams, 14.7 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12733-234716. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
