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LOT 1127
Eastern Roman Iron Double Axehead
11TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
14 1/8 in. (1.8 kg, 36 cm).
Composed of a central circular socket with flanges, one head with extended lower blade, the other with a wedge-shaped head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Schwarzer, J.K., 'Arms from an eleventh Century Shipwreck', in Graeco-Arabica IV, (1991), pp. 327-350, fig.6 and p.330.
FootnotesThis kind of 'Tzikourion' is found in all the Eastern Roman territories from 11th to 14th century A.D., and in many South East European territories. The overall design and the massive T-shaped hafting socket are very similar to those of an 11th century war axe from Cozanesti, Moldova, and from various14th century A.D. specimens from Bulgaria.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
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Large Viking Iron Socketted Spearhead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising a leaf-shaped blade with lozenge cross-section, raised midrib, closed tubular socket; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 1.76 kg total, 43.5 cm including stand
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The spear belongs to the type A of the first main group of Viking spears, the so-called Frankish spearheads, which occur between 750 and 950 A.D., but mainly in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Mediterranean influence is still evident on the foliate shape of the blade. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Group
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Four tanged arrowheads of barbed and leaf-shaped types, including examples with pronounced midribs. 90 grams total, 8.7-14.5 cm
Ex G. White collection, 1990s. -
Medieval Schiavonesca Type Iron Sword with Inlay
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Comprising a broad, double-edged blade with rounded tip, shallow central fuller to the upper third of both sides; flat guard with stepped central panel, D-section arms formed in a horizontal S-curve, 'cat's head' truncated type pommel with an integral central boss to both faces; the tang with a sword-shaped stamp, the blade with an inlaid three-armed workshop mark and another stamp, including a V surmounted by a cross. 1.37 kg, 1.18 m
Restored and protected with a possible vertical suspension in acid solution, on the blade traces of delamination and flaking along the pattern-welds, some corrosion damages but in general very good condition.
From an English collection, acquired 1990s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11771-203963.
The Schiavonesca sword was used by Dalmatian mercenaries serving in the Venetian state armies, and were produced by the workshops of the Serenissima to which the marks probably belong. Many of these swords were produced in Dubrovnik, a Croatian city under the Venetian rule. Dr Aleksić mentions the swordsmith Radonja Vukotić, who made an agreement with blacksmith Andrija Miletin at the beginning of September 1436, to produce swords together in the following year.
