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LOT 1581
Viking Lead Gaming Piece
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (24.4 grams, 21 mm).
Conical lead counter with six vertical ribs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound whilst searching with a metal detector in Yorkshire, UK.
LiteratureCf. Hammond, B., British Artefacts vol.2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010, item 1.14-j, for type.
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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Viking Age Iron Fire-Striker with Bronze Serpent Handle
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Comprising a flat band with two hoops for the fingers forming the body of a serpent with raised head behind, iron striking face to the lower edge. 39 grams, 79 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Viking Age Silver Ring with Coiled Shoulders
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Round-section rod with the ends coiled around the shank. 3.15 grams, 23.45 mm overall, 19.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s. -
Viking Period Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, with glass insert. 1.37 grams, 17 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese 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.
