Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1172

Viking Age Viking Age Gold Coiled Wire Ring

8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER

3/4 in. (2.35 grams, 19.03 mm overall, 15.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)).

The single wire formed into a loop with the ends wound about the shank.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Published

Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.112(8).

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1172

Viking Age Viking Age Gold Coiled Wire Ring

Sold for (Inc. bp): £780

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
    Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
    9th-10th century A.D. or earlier

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £624

    Formed as a gold cap with rounded claws, set with polished glass gem; integral suspension loop with a later jump ring. 0.64 grams, 21 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. 'Elfshot' described 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.

    Lot Details

  • Viking Age Bronze Ring-Pin Brooch Ring
    Viking Age Bronze Ring-Pin Brooch Ring
    9th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £208

    Of zoomorphic form, featuring large circular eyes; suspension loop to reverse of 'beak'; raised rib clusters to the body. 21.1 grams, 54 mm



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

    Lot Details

  • Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch
    Viking Age Bronze Tortoise Brooch
    Circa 10th century A.D.

    Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £250

    Displaying high-relief palmette ornament, omega-shaped panels and other ornament; catch and two transverse bars to the reverse. 67.4 grams, 81 mm



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

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list