9th-11th century A.D. The upper face decorated with a two-headed filigree raven, raised ropework border, suspension loop with pyramids of granules continuing onto the reverse. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, for discussion andparable examples; cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, for discussion andparable examples; cf. Korshun, V.E. Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rusi X-XIV Vekov, volume III, Moscow, 2013, item .6.26 grams, 42 mm (1 5/8 in.). Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is apanied by search certificate no.203746. Pairs of ravens were considered auspicious in medieval Scandinavian society. In pre-Christian times, two such birds were the informants of the god Odin, who relayed news of the deeds of men. They were also carrion birds, frequenting battlefields to feast on the bodies of fallen warriors. [No Reserve]