Loading, please wait...
LOT 1611
Viking Period Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
5/8 in. (1.37 grams, 17 mm).
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, with glass insert.
ProvenanceEx property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
FootnotesThis 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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Viking Age Bronze Bracelet Group
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising: braided wire penannular bracelet with with clubbed finials; twisted rod bracelet with polyhedral finials. 57.2 grams total, 55-63 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Ring
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A slender shank with the ends twisted together, lozengiform plaque with punched ring-and-dot and bowtie motifs. 1.76 grams, 29 mm
Found North Wold, Norfolk, UK. From an East Anglian private collection. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Stirrup Apex Mount
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Pentagonal mount with central hole, vestigial ledge to the reverse, low-relief addorsed dragon-head motif; apex lobe absent; Williams's Class A Type 1. 21 grams, 47 mm
Found Wiltshire, UK, 2010.
