Viking Age Silver Ring with Coiled Bezel

Formed in two sections with a decorative upper element attached to a plain back-plate with pin, pin-lugs and catchplate intact; hollow upper section divided by a heavy median rib with figural and zoomorphic ornament in the outer panels, coiled and linear bands to the lower edges and rear panel; lobed ears to the corners of the wider end. 42.8 grams, 51 mm



UK collection, previously acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Canadian collector living in Ontario; acquired 2018.

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.

With two differently sized rows of teeth and flat-section body. 29.4 grams, 64 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.