Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Viking Silver Elfshot Pendant with Stone Arrowhead")
_200x200.jpg "Viking Silver Elfshot Pendant with Stone Arrowhead")
.jpg "Viking Silver Elfshot Pendant with Stone Arrowhead")
LOT 0310
Viking Silver Elfshot Pendant with Stone Arrowhead
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. AND EARLIER
1 3/8 in. (2.43 grams, 34 mm).
An amulet with a silver cap securing an arrow-shaped flint insert. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Evans, J., The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, p.365; Korshun, V.E., Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rusi X-XIV Vekov, volume I, Moscow, 2012, item A.2.03.
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.
-
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Cat-Faced Stirrup Apex Mount
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Substantial flat mount with loop above, mask formed with lentoid eyes and broad moustache, narrow chin; ledge to rear pierced to accept rivets. 36.1 grams, 38 mm
Found Norfolk, UK.
The face bears a strong likeness to that of the Rällinge statuette discovered in Sweden in the early 20th century and believed to represent the god Yngve-Freyr. -
Viking Age Bronze Decorated Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Penannular in form with twisted shank and broad spatulate finials, hatched ornament to outer face. 50 grams, 74 mm
Property of a North West London, UK, gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
.jpg)
Pre-Viking Bronze Ring with Thor's Hammer and Beads
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Suspension loop with four spherical glass beads and a miniature hammer with a braided loop. 6.24 grams, 43.83 mm overall, 14.52 x 9.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
