Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0369
Viking and Later Fire-Striker Collection
11TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 - 5 1/4 in. (523 grams total, 2.9-13.2 cm).
Comprising: two galley-shaped firesteels each with a core formed as looped corrugations in a sturdy frame with one scrolled end and flat underside for the striking face; fragment of a similar item formed as an advancing horse with saddle; mounted on a custom-made stand. [4]
Provenance
Acquired on the London art market, 1990s.
Private collection, London.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
See Cacciandra, V. & Cesati, A., Fire Steels, Turin, 1996; cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.144.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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 0369
Viking and Later Fire-Striker Collection
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Viking Age Gold Elfshot Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £364
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset knapped flint blade. 3.41 grams, 27 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Stirrup Apex Mount with Mask
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Curved in section with pierced loop and facing bears(?) mask with splayed ellipsoid ears. 11.3 grams, 35 mm
Found Cambridgeshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Silver Chain
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Box-link type with butted joints. 24.9 grams, 65.5 cm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.