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LOT 1225
Viking Period Pennanular Brooch Collection
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 - 2 5/8 in. (124 grams, 46-67 mm).
A mixed group of bronze penannular brooches: one with polyhedral finials; one with domed square finials; one with everted dragon-head finials. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.52, 54.
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 Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-12th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £260
A gold 'elf shot' pendant with arch-shaped body and collared suspension loop, set with a polished garnet or amethyst stone. 1.31 grams, 16 mm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described 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. -
Viking Inspired Omega-Shaped Penannular Brooch
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A Viking-inspired bronze Mordvinian 'Omega' penannular brooch comprising a round-section hoop and two trapezoidal plate finials each with a geometric design of granulation; round-section pin coiled to the hoop. 13 grams, 56 mm
Acquired early 2000s. Property of a Birmingham, UK, collector. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Viking Age Silver Axe Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
A silver pendant comprising a free-running sub-triangular axehead pendant with flanges to the socket, one face with border of tremolier ornament; slender ring with terminals coiled around the shank. 1.38 grams, 38 mm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.
