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LOT 0326
Viking Age Silver Thor's Hammer Necklace
10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
30 in. (116 grams, 76 cm long).
Comprising: an openwork trichinopoly chain with D-section beast-head terminals each with granule and filigree detailing, pierced at the lower end to accept a round-section hoop by two further rings to a hoop with free-running hollow silver Thor's hammer pendant with filigree ornament to the upper face. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
Accompanied by a specialist metal analysis report.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11896-203749.
Cf. Magnus, B. et al., Bird, Beast and Man in Nordic Iron Age Art, Vol.2, Koln, 2005, items 77, 106, 239 (chain), Kongl. Vitterhets Historie och Antiqvitets Akademiens Månadsblad, 1895 (pendant).
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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Viking Silver Gripping Beast Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
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. 8.44 grams, 35 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures. -
Viking Age Jellinge Style Bronze Regardant Beast Pendant
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With integral loop, openwork regardant Jellinge style beast with tendrils and border. 6.06 grams, 35 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian 'Rus' settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Viking art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Apex Stirrup Mount
11th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With pentagonal body bearing zoomorphic designs, pierced close to the apex for attachment to a stirrup-strap, with two holes close to the lower edge and ledge to the reverse; Williams's Class A Type 16. 22.39 grams, 47 mm
Found Hampshire, UK.
This mount is not typical of the Class but the trilobe 'topknot' at the apex is clearly based on the design of Type 16 with a facing animal-head.
