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LOT 1667
Viking Age Silver Ring with Coiled Bezel
9TH-11TH CENTURY AD.
1 in. (3.47 grams, 23.07 mm overall, 18.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)).
Comprising a round-section hoop coiled around itself forming an interwoven spiral bezel.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Gold Elfshot Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £260
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset glass bead. 1.30 grams, 19 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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. -
Scandinavian Viking Bronze Tortoise Brooch
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Comprising a domed openwork shell with raised ornament of five D-shaped studs amid bands of three-ply knotwork in panels; frieze of profile beasts to the lower edge, flange rim; inner shell with catch and pin-hinge to the reverse with mineralised remains of ferrous pin and textile backing. 82 grams, 10 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Gold Bead
Circa 6th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Spherical with beaded collar to each opening. 1.99 grams, 14 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.