Rare variation formed as a large pierced heart. A heart in a heart! Silvered bronze with horned top, over 1 ½” height, with the cross pin intact. The bottom with banded or stacked terminal. For Vikings, the heart stood for bravery, fortitude, loyalty, integrity, all attributes of the warrior. It is said that Hrungnir, with whom Thor dueled (assisted by a sorceress), had a heart of stone. Surface textured from burial. When fastened to the jerkin, these small metal brooches provided a measure of protection against sword cuts and, in fact, were a form of armor. See current Public Television programming for documentation of these in action. As protectors, they also held spiritual significance for the warrior. Professionally refurbished with the pure silver overlay restored and suspended from a Sterling silver neck chain. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.
