Viking Period Bronze War-Flail Element

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.

Modelled in the half-round, mount with lugs to the reverse, ropework border; Polomskoy Culture. 11.4 grams, 40 mm



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