VIKING SILVER NECKLACE WITH CRUCIFORM PENDANT AND THOR'S HAMMER (MJÖLNIR)
Ca. 900-1000 AD.
Silver chain, 80 cm long, with a two-part reliquary cross which shows traces of gilding. The construction and imagery of the front reveal Byzantine influence. Centrally, a stylised Christ with his hands in a prayer gesture. At the ends of the arms of the cross medallions with saints. The back with ornamental Viking decoration. Eyelets at the top and bottom. If you open the cross you will find a fold-out Thor's Hammer inside, which is decorated on one side with typical nordic punchmarks. The inner surfaces of the cross halves are also geometrically decorated. Intact. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists.
Size: L:54mm, 28mm / W: 35mm, 12mm; 92g.
Provenance: Property of a European collector; previously in a collection of J. Hatzenbuehler, Germany, 1970s.
Estimate: GBP 30000 - 50000