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LOT 0323
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Mount with Figure
CIRCA 10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (15.2 grams, 32 mm).
Sub-rectangular with lip to the reverse; high-relief facing figure with band of straight hair, omega-shaped brow and pellet eyes, stubby body and arms, splayed legs above two omega-shaped elements forming a rosette; mounting plate absent.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Thomas, G., Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age Strap-Ends 750-1100: Part 2, Finds Research Group datasheet 33, Sleaford, 2007, item 29, for type.
FootnotesThe identity of the facing figure is unknown. There is an earlier, probably 9th century, Anglo-Saxon strap end with a facing nude male in low-relief which might be comparable (Thomas, 2007, item 8).
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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LOT 0323
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Mount with Figure
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Viking Silver Mask and Ravens Pendant
10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With integral loop, border enclosing a low-relief image of a male face between two birds, grasped by arms at the necks, small loop to the top. 1.6 grams, 22 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Axehead Amulet
Circa 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With scooped blade, hammer to the reverse. 2.05 grams, 27 mm
From the collection of Alan Hardcastle. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. -
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £390
Formed as a gold cap set with polished glass gem; suspension loop above. 0.85 grams, 17 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described 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.
