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LOT 1246
Viking Period Silver Hammer Pendant
8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (2.63 grams, 33 mm).
A silver hammer pendant suspended on a free-running silver ring with overlapping and coiled arms, punch-decorated to one face with three horizontal triangles containing pellets. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1990s-2000.
Property of an East London gentleman.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.104(6).
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 Age Silver Twisted Bracelet
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
A penannular silver bracelet with tapering terminals, twisted bar body. 49 grams, 71 mm
Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK. -
Viking Period Lock and Key Group
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
A group of iron keys and a lock; two keys with sith a cruciform head, crimped edges and central void; one with a square head with spur to each angle; one with T-shaped head and vertical spurs; one with a disc finial, square void with rounded edges; one iron barrel padlock with hasp. applied decorative bands to the body. 407 grams total, 9.5-15.5 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
