A Finno-Ugrian socketted iron spearhead with scooped shoulders, tapering octagonal-section socket developing to a thick midrib, the socket pierced for fixing. 13 in. (423 grams, 33 cm). Very fine condition, professionally cleaned, conserved and restored. [No Reserve]

PROVENANCE:
Property of a London businessman, from his grandfather's collection formed after World War II; thence by descent 1972.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.V, item 3.

FOOTNOTES:
The more common weapons of Finno-Ugrian people were axes, commonly found from all Finnic areas, as well as spears. Among Baltic-Finnic people, especially in Finland and Karelia, knives called 'puukko' were common, as well as axes, spears, flat bows and longbows, while swords were usually imported from Germanic areas, Sweden or from elsewhere Scandinavia, some having often typically Scandinavian animal ornaments. The spears were often characterised by octagonal sockets.