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LOT 1412
Viking Age and Later Axehead Group
CIRCA 10TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 - 9 1/2 in. (7 kg total, 16-24.5 cm).
Comprising socketted axeheads of various types; some possibly stamped with maker's marks. [10, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Roesdahl, E., Wilson, D.M., From Viking to Crusader: The Scandinavians and Europe 800 to 1200 (22nd Council of Europe Exhibition), Copenhagen, 1992, p.321, fig.359 (4), for a similar Viking axe/tool.
FootnotesAn axe similar to those of our group was found in the fortified camp of Péran, in Brittany, among the objects that emerged from a conflagration due to the attack of Alain Barbetorte's Bretons on a Viking camp, in 936 A.D. These axes were certainly work tools, although in case of necessity they could also serve as improvised weapons
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AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Iron Bearded Axehead
Circa 14th-16th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £39
With broad curved blade and square chin, broad neck, deep socket with square-section hammer to the reverse. 766 grams, 13.2 cm
Ex North American collection, 1970s-1990s. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
A hollow vessel with cylindrical body, short neck and domed mouth, band of latticework to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 623 grams, 16.5 cm
From a specialist London, UK, arms and armour collection, 1990s.
This was a type of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. -
Luristan Bronze Dagger Blade
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Lentoid in section, triangular in plan with rounded tip, short tang, two holes to the shoulder for attachment. 102 grams, 22 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
