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LOT 1716
Viking Age Silver Lunar Pendant
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (3.82 grams, 32 mm).
With ribbed suspension loop, applied granules. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s.
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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Large Viking Age Bronze Twisted Ring Pin
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
With twisted square-section shank, loop finial with ring. 115 grams, 21.7 cm
Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M. -
Viking Age Twisted Bronze Bracelet
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Comprising thick twisted rods forming the shank and flattened crescent plate finials with linear engraved detailing. 32 grams, 62 mm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s. -
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £208
Decorated sheet gold sleeve, hoof-shaped stone mounted in the socket; loop absent. 0.18 grams, 10 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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.
