Viking Bronze Protective Armlet

Lozenge-shaped with openwork gusseted lattice and raised pellets to the body, pierced lobe above with ferrous rivet, ledge to reverse with ferrous accretion. 25.5 grams, 48 mm



Found Norfolk, UK.

An amulet with a silver cap securing an arrow-shaped flint insert. 2.43 grams, 34 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

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.

Irregular barrel-shaped crystal with lozengiform gold base, braided strip from each arm extending to the bell-shaped cap with punched pellet and triangle motifs; braided filigree collar and loop, thick gold rod suspension loop; underside with short dangle, amethyst and glass beads. 21.69 grams, 79 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12932-245386.

In Birka grave 1148B, a similar piece was found in a warrior cremation grave. It was a fragment of a grey slate whetstone, with a rivetted, groove-decorated bronze fitting, which ends in a bronze carrying ring. These items were worn as pendants.