Medieval Iron Long Bearded Axehead

Each with a slender, lozenge-shaped blade and a socket extending near the tip, base of the socket with a side lug. 158 grams total, 41-53 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

The Scythians were famous for their archery abilities, and were often employed as mercenaries. The Athenian tyrant Pisistratus hired them and they participated in battles beside the Athenian phalanx as well as serving as a police corps keeping order within the city of Athens. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites.

With curved blade and trefoil-shaped chin to the lower edge, round socket with triangular flanges to the upper edge and trefoil-shaped flanges to the lower face. 635 grams, 16.5 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

The axe head was made in a particular shape showing elements of plant ornamentation and it may have been used both as a battle axe and working axe. Most men were farmers or labourers on a farm and rarely carried a weapon other than a knife and an axe. Nevertheless, battle, the hunt and the ability to ride were important elements of what constituted the ideal Viking man.

Two snaffle bits with curb strap ring to each end, mounted on a fabric-covered display board with titling panel. 467 grams total, 17.5-20 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.