Viking Bronze Dragon-Head Strap Mount

Formed as a keeled sub-triangular plaque, convex in profile with bulbs on the flanks extending to a short rounded projection; integral catchplate to reverse and remains of ferrous pin. 15.4 grams, 46 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired early 2000s. East Anglia, UK, collection.

This form of brooch developed from Scandinavian Iron Age forms of bow brooch with crossbar, bow and footplate; it later evolved into the standard form of boar-head brooch.

The carinated silver hoop with one flattened and pierced terminal and one coiled; free-running gold-in-glass bead. 0.97 grams, 17 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, aqua glass insert. 0.55 grams, 16 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: 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.