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LOT 1264
Viking Period Silver Ring and Bird Pendant Group
8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 - 2 1/8 in. (7.51 grams total, 22-53 mm).
A trio of silver jewellery items comprising: two slender annular rings with overlapping terminals and coiled collars; a free-running pendant in the form of a stylised bird with eye and body detailing, three suspension loops and remaining chain links below. [3]
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1990s-2000.
Property of an East London gentleman.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.108; pl.100 (1).
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 Coiled Bracelet Pair
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A pair of bracelets, each with a tapering body, arms overlapping at the bezel, forming coiled wire sleeves around the opposite shoulder. 112 grams total, 71-72 mm wide
Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK. -
Viking Age Ring with Lozenge-Shaped Bezel
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
A ring composed of a convex hoop and lozenge-shaped bezel with raised knops to each corner, hatching to the interior surrounding an enigmatic central motif. 3.66 grams, 21.67 mm overall, 18.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired 1990s. English private collection. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
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.
