Viking Age Silver Mount with Lunar Pendant

With integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. 5.7 grams, 35 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

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.

With rilled edge and pierced hub, the field a network of dense interlaced tendrils. 48.9 grams, 70.7 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Ex property of a London, UK, collector.