Description:

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A set of 3 hammer-shaped pendants representing Mjolnir, the legendary weapon of the Norse thunder god Thor. The oblong-headed axe is shaped from 90% silver whereas the rectangular pendant is 92% silver and the spade-shaped pendant is 94% silver. Wearing pendants like these was not only a means of visibly displaying one's wealth but also was believed to invoke Thor's blessings and safeguard the wearer, making them not only a religious emblem but also a source of personal security in the often challenging and dangerous Viking world. Size of largest (rectangular): 0.18" L x 0.82" W x 0.65" H (0.5 cm x 2.1 cm x 1.7 cm); silver quality: 90% to 94%; total weight: 4.6 grams

Provenance: ex-private Osborn collection, Orange, California, USA, acquired through European art markets between the 1970s and 1990s

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#181118

  • Condition: Each pendant with light abrasions and some cleanable patina commensurate with age, otherwise intact and excellent. Great luster on 2 smaller pendants, and nice original patina on largest.

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September 22, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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