We found 3960 price guide item(s) matching your search

Pair of Jade Amulet Animal Carvings, each approx 3'' x 2''.

A Chinese carved malachite 'Good Luck' amulet bead necklace, 20.2mm beads, 48cm, 256gCurrently only strung on nylon cord and require re-stringing, otherwise no damage

A large Kazakhstan silver amulet pendant necklace, on sterling foxtail link chain, pendant 60mm, chain 40cm, 63.6gNo damage or repair, only general surface wear, fitting working

A Tibetan Bronze Plaque with Engraved Mantras.The writing is done in a traditional style and appears to be a mantra, prayer, or blessing, possibly invoking spiritual protection or guidance. The plaque has a small hole at the top, which suggests it could have been used as an amulet, worn as a protective talisman, or displayed for devotional purposes. The edges of the plaque are slightly raised, framing the script and enhancing its visual appeal.Approximately 6.4 x 4.2cmProvenance: Private W London Collection

**NO RESERVE**An Egyptian Carved Crystal Scarab Amulet, Possibly Ancient.This Egyptian Scarab Amulet features intricate linear carvings and a hole drilled through for wearing. The scarab, a symbol of protection and rebirth in Egyptian culture, was often used as an amulet to safeguard the wearer and promote good fortune. L: Approximately 3cmProvenance: Private W London Collection

**NO RESERVE**A Carved White Stone Amulet of a Ram Figure, Possibly Ancient.white stone amulet is intricately carved into the shape of a ram, symbolizing strength and protection. The amulet features detailed spiralled horns and a naturalistic depiction.L: Approximately 2.8cmProvenance: Private W London Collection

**NO RESERVE**An Egyptian Carnelian Scarab Amulet, Possibly Ancient.This carved scarab amulet is made from carnelian, a reddish-brown gemstone. The amulet is intricately detailed with natural lines, symbolizing the scarab beetle, an emblem of protection and rebirth in ancient Egypt. It features a drilled hole, indicating its use as a pendant or part of a larger piece of jewellery. The scarab was often worn as a protective amulet to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.L: Approximately 2.7cmProvenance: Private W London Collection

Ca. 3000 - 2500 BC. A Mesopotamian mother of pearl amulet. A stalking bird of prey in shallow relief, decorated with drill-holes on one side. Size: 41mm x 35.1mm; Weight: 10.3g Provenance: Property of a London gallery; formerly with a Mayfair Art dealer S.A.; Ex. 1990s London collections, studied and catalogued by professor Lambert in the early 90s (with original note, signed by him). Previously in an old British collection formed since the 1960s.

Ca. 1200 - 800 BC. An amulet of grey stone. It rests on a flat base and one end, where it is pierced, is the face of a mouse or similar creature. Above that is an elaborate device. Size: 19.5mm x 16.5mm; Weight: 4g Provenance: Property of a London gallery; formerly with a Mayfair Art dealer S.A.; Ex. 1990s London collections, studied and catalogued by professor Lambert in the early 90s (with original note, signed by him). Previously in an old British collection formed since the 1960s.

Ca. 2000 - 1000 BC. An Anatolian black stone amulet, pierced through the mouth. It depicts a flat fish of triangular shape, the edges notched, the faces decorated with drill holes. Size: 36.8mm x 38.7mm; Weight: 13.53g Provenance: Property of a London gallery; formerly with a Mayfair Art dealer S.A.; Ex. 1990s London collections, studied and catalogued by professor Lambert in the early 90s (with original note, signed by him). Previously in an old British collection formed since the 1960s.

Third Intermediate Period, Ca. 1069 - 550 BC. A collection features five pale green amulets depicting the Wadjet. Four of the amulets have a round shape with an openwork design of an eye. The central amulet illustrates a composition of four Eye of Horus symbols arranged symmetrically with stylized black details. For similar see: Andrews C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, British Museum Press, 1994., Meeting the Past. 100 Years in Egypt. German Archaeological Institute Cairo 1907-2007, catalogue of the special exhibition in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (with contributions by G. Dreyer, P. Grossmann, U. Hartung, D. Raue, U. Rummel), Fig. 102, Saite Period. Size: 17-30.4mm x 15.4-35.4mm; Weight: 11.7g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.

New Kingdom, Ca. 1550 - 1069 BC. A collection of faience amulets comprising a tall green faience figure of Thoth, represented with the left foot raised. The second amulet is a stone figure of a baboon, another representation of the god Thoth. The third is a blue faience figure of Bes, represented with a high crown, and the fourth is the Goddess Isis with the child Horus at her breast. For similar see: Andrews C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, British Museum Press, 1994. Size: 26.6-61.2mm x 16.9-17.8mm; Weight: 46.1g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.

Ca. 3000 - 2500 BC. A Mesopotamian white stone amulet, in the form of a standing ram with large curved horns, pierced vertically through the back. Size: 15.1mm x 20.2mm; Weight: 3.9g Provenance: Property of a London gallery; formerly with a Mayfair Art dealer S.A.; Ex. 1990s London collections, studied and catalogued by professor Lambert in the early 90s (with original note, signed by him). Previously in an old British collection formed since the 1960s.

Ca. 2500 - 2000 BC. A Mesopotamian Lapis Lazuli amulet in the form of a recumbent bovine resting on a flat base, pierced just above the base. It is nicely carved, with folds in the skin well marked. Size: 19.3mm x 30.5mm; Weight: 8g Provenance: Property of a London gallery; formerly with a Mayfair Art dealer S.A.; Ex. 1990s London collections, studied and catalogued by professor Lambert in the early 90s (with original note, signed by him). Previously in an old British collection formed since the 1960s.

Ca. 2000 - 1000 BC.A lapis lazuli amulet in the shape of a recumbent bull, with incised striations beneath its body. The bull has a raised head and drilled eye sockets that perhaps once held inlaid ornamentation. In ancient Mesopotamia, lapis lazuli was highly prized and used extensively in jewellery, amulets, seals, and other decorative objects. Its deep blue colour symbolised the heavens and was associated with the divine.Size: 20mm x 15mm; Weight: 5gProvenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014, acquired in 2008 from a UK private collection formed in the 1970s to 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Roman Period, 30 BC - AD 200. A grasshopper amulet, carved from translucent quartz, modelled round and pierced for suspension. The piece features naturalistic details, especially in the wings and muzzle. Size: 50mm x 15mm; Weight: 10g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Christie's, 13 Dec. 2002, Ancient Jewelry, Lot 534. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Late to Ptolemaic Period, Ca. 664 - 30 BC. An amulet of a crowned Horus with the body of a cicada, made of jade and perforated on the back. The fly amulet, known as the "Tyet" or "Knot of Isis," was one of the many types of protective amulets used by the ancient Egyptians. It is often depicted as a stylised knot, resembling the shape of a fly or butterfly. Size: 20mm x 10mm; Weight: 1g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Guerlind Corp., Boulevard Royal 1, Luxemburg, Grand-Duche de Luxembourg, 2009. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

New Kingdom, Ca. 1550 - 1069 BC.An elegant blue faience amulet depicting the goddess Hathor. She is depicted in bull form, with the solar symbol between her long horns. Enveloped in a brilliant, azure-hued glaze intended to represent the waters of the Nile, the amulet features thick black pigment delineating the brow and pupil. Symbolic of health and healing, the bull is one of the oldest Egyptian symbols. In ancient Egypt, the bull goddess Hathor controlled the skies, the sun, and the moon. Size: 52mm x 50mm; Weight: 50gProvenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Eric Strobel private collection. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Late Period, Ca. 664 - 332 BC. A set of glass and carnelian stone pendants restrung on a modern thread, featuring a variety of colours and types. The central piece is a cobalt blue double horn amulet, flanked by an assortment of poppy and eye beads. The arrangement is completed with yellow and blue rosettes at either end. For similar see: Andrews C., The Amulets of Ancient Egypt, fig. 65. Size: 5.6-16.2mm x 4.1-17.3mm; Weight: 3.17g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.

A Chinese Carved Soapstone Dragon Amulet, 18cms Wide

TWO ASANTE/ASHANTI TALISMANIC ITEMS comprising a small pouch amulet wrapped in leather of Islamic tradition from Ghana, hung on a knotted cotton chain suitable for a child's neck, contents of amulet unknown, a possible headgear item adorned with packed amulets in the style of northern Ghanian/Malian tribal groups (2) (Condition Report: loss to the leather pouches, one pouch appears to have loose stitching and contents appear to contain dust/ash)

two Dayak amulet sculptures in wood with typical anthropomorphic featuresINDONESIË / BORNEO lot van twee oude Dayak - amuletten in hout met typisch gestileerde antropomorfe vormgeving : "Zittende figuur" - hoogtes : 12 en 13 cm - telkens gemonteerd

An antique cut crystal amulet in the form of a dolphin, probably Indian late Mughal 18th - early 19th century or possibly earlier, 3 1/4" long.

A well carved hard stone amulet of Jemdet Nasr type in the form of a seated lion, probably Sumerian circa 2500BC., (purchased by the present vendor at Dominic Winter Auctions).

A MIXED LOT OF COSTUME JEWELLERY, 20TH CENTURY. To include a pair of green glass earrings, peacock drop earrings, white base metal loop earrings, white metal fan earrings, base metal whistle, Thai Buddha amulet. Plus pierced base metal gilded belt with bird buckle, length 86cms. (7) Provenance: From the estate of a prominent Peranakan family, Khoo Sian Ewe (1886 - 1964), thence by descent.

A TIBETAN WHITE METAL AND COPPER GAU BOX, EARLY 20TH CENTURY. Of circular form with central Buddha encased in an amulet box. Fitted in a silk embroidered carrying case with strap and gilt buttons. Box approx. 9.5cm diam.

A Sassanian cornelian amulet, 2nd - 3rd century A.D., in the form of a seated ram, together with certificate of authenticity 3.5cm long, 2.9cm high, 1.5cm wide

A Mesopotamian black stone lion stamp seal amuletLate Uruk-Jemdet Nasr Period, circa 3300-2900 B.C.5.6cm wideFootnotes:Provenance:European art market, 1990s.Private collection, USA, acquired 1999.Stamp seals and cylinder seals were extremely personal objects indicative of social status and individual taste. As visible on the present lot, they were pierced vertically for suspension from a cord, likely hung around the owner's neck or fastened among their personal effects. The design engraved onto the reverse of a seal pertained to the owner alone and its impression was stamped onto surfaces in place of a signature; this lot is engraved with three quadrupeds, with shapes in the field. Cf. an example in green calcite in the British Museum, London, which has a similar large head and crouching, foreshortened body (acc. no. 1929,0715.22).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A large Egyptian turquoise faience amulet of BastetThird Intermediate Period-Late Period, circa 1150-332 B.C.8.8cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Friedrich Wilhelm von Bissing (1873-1956) collection, Munich, inv. no. F 488.with Jock Francken (1906-1994), Munich.Resandro collection, Europe, acquired 23 October 1979 from the above (R-383, HA 246).Published:S. Schoske and D. Wildung, Gott und Götter im Alten Ägypten, 1992, Mainz am Rhein, 1992, pp.138-139, no. 97 (identified as Tefnut).I. Grimm-Stadelmann (ed.), Aesthetic Glimpses, Masterpieces of Ancient Egyptian Art, The Resandro Collection, Munich, 2012, p.103, no. R-383.Exhibited:Berlin, Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung; Berlin, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin; Munich, Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst Munchen; Hamburg, Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, Gott und Götter im Alten Ägypten, 1992-1993.Identification of lion-headed goddesses, when in amuletic form and without identifying inscriptions, is notoriously difficult, but the kitten that surmounts the goddess's head here invokes the fertility most associated with Bastet, the goddess adored as a goddess of fecundity and often depicted in the form of a seated cat. Cf. a similarly-sized example in C. Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.34, pl. 30c, depicting a lion-headed goddess carrying a wedjet-eye at his chest, and named on the back-pillar as Bastet.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

An Egyptian haematite amulet of a seated catLate Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C.2.4cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Miss Agnes Barclay collection, ca. 1920-1940, UK; and thence by descent.Private collection, New York, late 1990s.New York art market, 2017.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

Antiquities - Erotic Roman alloy 'priapus' amulet or pendant, modelled with twin phallic motifs, signs of patina and age commensurate with age and burial, 36mm long, 15g approx

A Thai Pong Roop Muean pottery amulet. 3.7 x 2.3cm, and three other Thai amulets. (4)

Terry Pratchett, The Carpet People, signed and numbered collectors edition, together with four other signed works, Tash Aw, The Harmony Silk Factor, Jonathan Stroud, The Amulet of Samarkand, Underground London, Stephen Smith, Rio Ferdinand " sides, , with a group of nine Folio Society volumes, to include two works by Dylan Thomas, Under Milkwood and JM Barrie Peter Pan, with illustrations by Paula Rego (14)

Two silver sovereign holders, cut glass and silver mounted inkwell, vesta case, pill box, hexagonal pepperette and small white metal and gilt box the interior with a hinged glass lens, contains key,and a white metal amulet

Egypt Amulet Duamutef, Bronze cast, verdis gris, two eylets, late periode 7.-3. B.C.E., 4 cm longThe hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

Egypt Ram Amulet, ceramic glazed , eylet later periode, length 2,8 cm The hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

Egypt Bronze Amulet, Anubis and Chnum, round plate with extension, cast with original patina, Ptolomeic periode, size 3x2,3cm The hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

Egypt stone amulet, in heart shape black and greenish gry collours sculpted, ptolemaic periode length 2,5cm The hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

ITEM: 'Manu fica' amuletMATERIAL: FaienceCULTURE: Roman, EgyptPERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.DDIMENSIONS: 20 mm x 8 mmCONDITION: Good conditionPROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.The Roman manu fica amulet, also known as the "fig sign" or "fig-shaped hand" amulet, was a powerful and widely used symbol of protection in Roman society. Shaped to resemble a fist with the thumb placed between the index and middle fingers, the gesture is often associated with warding off the evil eye, a common belief in ancient Roman and Mediterranean cultures. The manu fica symbol was believed to protect the wearer from jealousy, misfortune, and the malevolent gaze of others, often serving as a talisman to keep away bad luck or curses. This gesture was so significant that it appeared not only in amulet form but also in various other objects like rings, pendants, and pottery, reflecting its widespread cultural importance.The use of the manu fica amulet was prevalent in both personal and public contexts. Roman soldiers, for example, often wore these amulets as protective charms during battles and long journeys, seeking divine or supernatural aid against the dangers they faced. Wealthy individuals and aristocrats also utilized these amulets to safeguard themselves from the negative effects of envy or malicious gossip, which were believed to be potent forces in Roman society. The manu fica was not only used as a protective device but also as a statement of defiance against misfortune, reflecting the Roman emphasis on resilience and control over external forces.The manu fica gesture itself, with its thumb between the index and middle fingers, was a form of folk magic that crossed cultural boundaries, appearing in Greek, Roman, and later European traditions. In Roman times, the amulet was often worn in everyday life and incorporated into a range of jewelry and personal items. In addition to its protective function, the manu fica could also be used as a sign of fertility or a symbol of good luck.

Pair of Jade Amulet Animal Carvings, each approx 3" x 2".

CHINESE JADE AMULET, LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY carved in the form of a bamboo branch, with a Phoenix finial and a scarab beetle on reverse7.5cm longQty: 33gAdditional images added

A pair of hand carved believed Chinese jadeite hardstone temple vases, along with a similar jadeite amulet. Each featuring hand carved scrolled & face design.Tallest measures approx. 9.5cm tall.

An 18th century Hindu alabaster figure amulet of the Elephant god Ganesh / Ganesha. The figure with gilt highlights & seated on iron red stand in sukhasana pose.Measures approx. 10.5cm tall.

Egyptian cat amulet, carved from jasper, dates back to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (664-30 B.C.). The amulet showcases a seated cat, an animal highly revered in ancient Egyptian culture and closely associated with the goddess Bastet, a symbol of home protection, fertility, and grace. H: 3cm 

This finely crafted Ancient Egyptian bird-shaped amulet is made from reddish-orange agate, dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550-1070 B.C.). This amulet reflects the deep spiritual and cultural significance of animal symbolism in ancient Egyptian belief systems. Amulets like this were thought to provide protection and good fortune to the wearer, particularly through the revered imagery of birds, often linked to deities or the afterlife. L: 2.8cm 

An Egyptian amulet made from banded agate, depicting a seated cat, a symbol of protection and fertility in ancient Egypt, closely associated with the goddess Bastet. This delicate artifact, dating to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (664-30 B.C.). H: 2cm 

A vibrant blue-glazed amulet represents the falcon-headed god Horus, one of the most significant deities in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolising protection, kingship, and power. Dating to the Late New Kingdom to the Third Intermediate Period (circa 1300-700 B.C.). H: 4.5cm 

A black stone scarab amulet dates back to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C. The scarab is a powerful symbol of rebirth and protection in ancient Egyptian culture, often associated with the god Khepri, who was believed to push the sun across the sky. The scarab features detailed carving on the base with hieroglyphic inscriptions. L: 2.5cm 

EGYPTIAN TURQUOISE FAIENCE AMULET OF A CAT, CIRCA 664-332 BC Provenance: Private UK Collection  L: 3cm 

This elegant Egyptian amulet, carved from translucent agate, depicts a seated cat and dates back to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (664-30 B.C.). The amulet captures the grace and poise of the cat, an animal revered in ancient Egyptian culture as a symbol of protection, fertility, and grace. Cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, protector of the home. L: 2.8cm   

Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Carved with integral ribbed loop to the reverse; unfinished. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pl.81(c). 4.4 grams, 31 mm (1 1/4 in.).with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.This ancient amulet represents two ostrich feathers or shuty. Interestingly, these feathers were also present on the Atef crown of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and the dead. This suggests the amulet was believed to imbue the wearer with Osiris's divine power and protection.

1st millennium B.C. and later. Composed mainly of oblate and annular beads, restrung to a Y-shape with a central irregular pendant amulet. 36 grams, 37 cm (14 5/8 in.). [No Reserve]Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.

Late Period, circa 664-332 B.C. Head from a statuette of Harpocrates, wearing the Pschent crown fronted by uraeus, sporting the large plaited sidelock above the right ear. Cf. Roeder, G., Ägyptische Bronzefiguren II, Berlin, 1956, pl.15e, for a similar head on a complete statuette. 86.5 grams, 60 mm (2 3/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.Harpocrates is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian Hor-pa-khered, meaning 'Horus the Child'. This title refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing the amulet of Harpocrates was believed to offer the same protection that Isis gave her beloved son.

1st millennium B.C. Modelled in the half-round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; reverse with low-relief engraved image of Lamashtu advancing holding a trident. Cf. British Museum, Splendours of Mesopotamia, London, 2011, p.203, cat.180, for similar. 26 grams, 36 mm (1 3/8 in.).From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12253-221916.In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy.

Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C. The goddess dressed in a long tight-fitting tunic to her ankles, standing with her left leg forward, her straight arms descending to her thighs; vulture headgear surmounted two long feathers; dorsal pillar with hieroglyphic text; repaired. 50 grams, 14 cm (5 1/2 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]Private collection Mr E. Saad, Cairo, Egypt-Montreux, Switzerland, 1970s. Ex private collection of Mr S.A., acquired from Mr Saad in 1997.In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the sister-wife of Osiris and the mother of the sky god Horus. She is associated with aspects of fertility and motherhood. This amulet unusually depicts her with a two-plumed crown, which may associate her with the goddess Sothis.

Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Amuletic model of a stonemason's plummet. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p. 85, pl.87a, for a similar haematite example. 2.38 grams, 25 mm (1 in.).with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.The stonemason’s plumb bob amulet was most frequently made of a dark hardstone like this example and paired with a set-square amulet. Plummet amulets were thought to grant their owner everlasting balance and harmony.

Third Intermediate Period-Late Period, 1069-332 B.C. Sizeable and finely detailed Eye of Horus, wedjat, with both falcon and human elements, traces of gilding in places, and two suspension loops on the top. 18.8 grams, 46 mm (1 7/8 in.).From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.This finely carved wedjat-eye amulet is a representation of the healed eye of the god Horus, featuring both human and falcon elements. The name wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was thought to protect its wearer and bestow the power of recovery and regeneration onto them. It was very popular and used by both the living and the dead.

9th-11th century A.D. or earlier. Decorated sheet gold sleeve, hoof-shaped stone mounted in the socket; loop absent. 0.18 grams, 10 mm (3/8 in.). [No Reserve]Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.This 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.

Early 2nd millennium B.C. Polished stone fragment with frieze depicting a seated ruler wearing a floor-length robe, one arm raised and bent towards a standing figure with tight-fitting ankle-length garment; pierced at the upper edge; re-used as a pendant or amulet(?). 10.5 grams, 38 mm (1 1/2 in.).From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1979-1999.

6th-7th century A.D. Bifacial amulet with chipped rim; obverse: St George with cross on horseback overcoming a dragon; reverse: mary and Infant Jesus flanked by angels. 5.4 grams, 28 mm (1 1/8 in.).From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.