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LOT 0301
Large Saxon Iron Seax with Single-Edged Blade
7TH–8TH CENTURY A.D.
19 3/4 in. (610 grams, 50 cm).
Ferrous seax blade of Wheeler's Type I with point at the median line, broad with thick back and wide, flat tang for a whittle-tang hilt assemblage; incised lines to both faces following the profile of the back and cutting edge. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Webster et al., The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Art 966 to 1066, London, 1984, item 94, for type.
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LOT 0301
Large Saxon Iron Seax with Single-Edged Blade
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Iron Axehead
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
With flaring triangular-section blade extending to a curved edge, socket with lateral flanges and hammer extension to the rear. 447 grams, 16 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The axe seems to be product of Baltic workmanship. The Curonians were known as fierce warriors and sailors who were involved in several wars and alliances with the Swedish, Danish and Icelandic Vikings. Baltic tribes created an original and impressive set of weaponry. They included battle knives, battle axes and spears and javelins with medium sized heads of a characteristic shape. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Group
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Including barbed-and tanged, leaf-shaped, lozengiform and other types. 232 grams total, 41-91 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
With curved blade and chin to the lower edge, round socket with lateral triangular flanges and flattened rear-edge. 252 grams, 11.2 cm
Fine condition.
Private collection, 1990s. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This type of bearded axe seems to correspond to the E2 category of the Viking axe classification. Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx; the neck on such 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter. Bearded axes of this type appear also in the weaponry of people from the Baltic.