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LOT 1640
Viking Bronze Weight Group
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 1 in. (110 grams total, 15-23 mm).
Barrel-shaped and domed types with flat faces, irregular forms and damage. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate 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.
See Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Graber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.127, items 1-18.
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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Scandinavian Viking Gilt Bronze 'Valkyrie' Plaque
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Profile image of a female in floor-length robe with shawl to her shoulders, stylised headdress and long plaited band of hair to the rear, shoes at the lower edge; pierced lug to the reverse. 9.16 grams, 48 mm
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. -
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. -
Merovingian Gold Hoop Earring with Garnets
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
With a thick penannular loop and polyhedral finial set with twelve garnet cloisons, some detached. 6.36 grams, 34 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.