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LOT 1722
Viking Age Silver Pendant with Beads
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (7.83 grams, 69 mm).
Twisted-wire suspension hoop with pendant loop, graduated beads of bone, glass and other material and central rock crystal irregular bead. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Gold Elfshot Crystal Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £494
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with arched recesses to each flat face, integral loop above, inset crystal bead with reserved pellet eyes. 0.59 grams, 14 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: 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 Silver-Gilt Beast Pendant
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Discoid with integral loop, stylised bird on a hatched field. 3.72 grams, 24 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Bronze and Lead Artefact Collection
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Including strap end, buckle loop, dress pin and other items. 47 grams total, 15-60 mm
From a private Barnsley, UK, family collection.
