Viking Era Silver Amulet, Pendant, Talisman, Rare Viking Silver Axe Amulet with Original Suspension Ring — Warrior Symbol of Strength and - 21 mm (No reserve price)
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€ 134
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
 | €134 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €124 | |
| €114 | |
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A rare Viking Age silver amulet in the form of a miniature axe (21 × 10 mm) with a separate 11 mm suspension ring decorated with spiral wire wrapping, dating to the 9th–10th century, weighing 1.95 g, in authentic ancient condition and acquired from a private collection in 2022 (Germany).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A rare Viking Age silver amulet in the form of a miniature axe, preserved together with a distinctive suspension ring decorated with spiral wire wrapping. Dating to the 9th–10th century, it belongs to the flourishing period of Scandinavian culture and Viking expansion.
The axe itself measures approximately 21 × 10 mm, while the suspension ring is approximately 11 mm in diameter. The complete piece weighs 1.95 g.
Despite its miniature dimensions, the form of the axe remains immediately recognizable. Its narrow upper section gradually expands into a broad cutting edge, while an integral loop at the top connects the pendant to the separate silver suspension ring.
The surviving suspension arrangement is one of the most attractive features of the piece.
A Weapon Transformed into a Symbol
The axe occupied a distinctive place in the Viking world.
It was both an everyday working tool and one of the characteristic weapons associated with Scandinavian warriors. Its image carried immediately recognizable associations with strength, determination, martial identity and protection.
Reduced to miniature form, the practical weapon became something entirely different: a personal symbol.
Small amulets could be worn around the neck or attached to other elements of personal adornment, allowing the symbolic image of the weapon to remain physically close to its owner.
Silver and a Distinctive Suspension Ring
The use of silver adds considerably to the appeal of this example.
Compared with simpler bronze pendants, a silver amulet represented a more valuable personal possession. Its miniature scale allowed precious metal to be used economically while retaining the visual character and prestige associated with silver.
The suspension system is equally interesting.
The axe is attached to a separate silver ring approximately 11 mm in diameter, part of which is decorated with several coils of wrapped wire. This spiral detail transforms a purely functional suspension element into an attractive decorative feature.
A Personal Object from the Viking Age
Some of the most evocative archaeological objects are also among the smallest.
This axe, only two centimetres long, was once a personal possession of someone who lived more than a thousand years ago. Objects of this kind could be worn directly on the body, giving them a particularly intimate connection with their original owners.
The silver now displays an attractive naturally aged surface with grey and darker tones, minor irregularities and characteristic traces of antiquity.
The axe silhouette remains clearly legible, the suspension loop survives, and the ring with its spiral wrapping gives the complete ensemble excellent visual and collector appeal.
Details
Culture: Scandinavian / Viking
Period: Viking Age
Dating: 9th–10th Century
Object: Miniature Axe Amulet / Pendant
Material: Silver
Axe dimensions: approx. 21 × 10 mm
Suspension ring: approx. 12 mm diameter
Weight: 1.95 g
Special feature: Suspension ring with decorative spiral wire wrapping
Condition: Authentic ancient condition with naturally aged surface, patina and characteristic traces of wear.
Provenance:
Acquired on the European antiquities market.
From a private collection.
Shipping:
European Union only.
Leather cord included.
A Small Axe from the Great Viking World
More than a thousand years ago, the axe was among the most recognizable objects of the Scandinavian world. It accompanied people in work, travel and warfare.
This axe, however, was never intended to strike.
Reduced to only a few centimetres and fashioned in silver, the weapon was transformed into something that could be carried close to the body.
That is what makes miniature Viking amulets so evocative today: an entire world of Viking Age symbolism condensed into an object only 20 millimetres long.
A rare 9th–10th century Viking silver axe amulet with a distinctive surviving suspension ring — an appealing addition to a collection of Viking antiquities, Scandinavian amulets or early medieval silver.
A rare Viking Age silver amulet in the form of a miniature axe, preserved together with a distinctive suspension ring decorated with spiral wire wrapping. Dating to the 9th–10th century, it belongs to the flourishing period of Scandinavian culture and Viking expansion.
The axe itself measures approximately 21 × 10 mm, while the suspension ring is approximately 11 mm in diameter. The complete piece weighs 1.95 g.
Despite its miniature dimensions, the form of the axe remains immediately recognizable. Its narrow upper section gradually expands into a broad cutting edge, while an integral loop at the top connects the pendant to the separate silver suspension ring.
The surviving suspension arrangement is one of the most attractive features of the piece.
A Weapon Transformed into a Symbol
The axe occupied a distinctive place in the Viking world.
It was both an everyday working tool and one of the characteristic weapons associated with Scandinavian warriors. Its image carried immediately recognizable associations with strength, determination, martial identity and protection.
Reduced to miniature form, the practical weapon became something entirely different: a personal symbol.
Small amulets could be worn around the neck or attached to other elements of personal adornment, allowing the symbolic image of the weapon to remain physically close to its owner.
Silver and a Distinctive Suspension Ring
The use of silver adds considerably to the appeal of this example.
Compared with simpler bronze pendants, a silver amulet represented a more valuable personal possession. Its miniature scale allowed precious metal to be used economically while retaining the visual character and prestige associated with silver.
The suspension system is equally interesting.
The axe is attached to a separate silver ring approximately 11 mm in diameter, part of which is decorated with several coils of wrapped wire. This spiral detail transforms a purely functional suspension element into an attractive decorative feature.
A Personal Object from the Viking Age
Some of the most evocative archaeological objects are also among the smallest.
This axe, only two centimetres long, was once a personal possession of someone who lived more than a thousand years ago. Objects of this kind could be worn directly on the body, giving them a particularly intimate connection with their original owners.
The silver now displays an attractive naturally aged surface with grey and darker tones, minor irregularities and characteristic traces of antiquity.
The axe silhouette remains clearly legible, the suspension loop survives, and the ring with its spiral wrapping gives the complete ensemble excellent visual and collector appeal.
Details
Culture: Scandinavian / Viking
Period: Viking Age
Dating: 9th–10th Century
Object: Miniature Axe Amulet / Pendant
Material: Silver
Axe dimensions: approx. 21 × 10 mm
Suspension ring: approx. 12 mm diameter
Weight: 1.95 g
Special feature: Suspension ring with decorative spiral wire wrapping
Condition: Authentic ancient condition with naturally aged surface, patina and characteristic traces of wear.
Provenance:
Acquired on the European antiquities market.
From a private collection.
Shipping:
European Union only.
Leather cord included.
A Small Axe from the Great Viking World
More than a thousand years ago, the axe was among the most recognizable objects of the Scandinavian world. It accompanied people in work, travel and warfare.
This axe, however, was never intended to strike.
Reduced to only a few centimetres and fashioned in silver, the weapon was transformed into something that could be carried close to the body.
That is what makes miniature Viking amulets so evocative today: an entire world of Viking Age symbolism condensed into an object only 20 millimetres long.
A rare 9th–10th century Viking silver axe amulet with a distinctive surviving suspension ring — an appealing addition to a collection of Viking antiquities, Scandinavian amulets or early medieval silver.
Details
Culture
Viking Era
Century/timeframe
9th–10th Century
Name of object
Rare Viking Silver Axe Amulet with Original Suspension Ring — Warrior Symbol of Strength and, Amulet, Pendant, Talisman
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2022
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
21 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1998
Width
10 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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