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LOT 1237
Viking Age Baltic Iron Bearded Axehead
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (782 grams, 17 cm).
Hand-forged with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, socket with rounded extensions to the rear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIV, item 3.
FootnotesThe more commonly used weapons of the Finno-Ugrian people were axes, commonly found in all Finnic areas, as well as spears. Iron axeheads of this typology show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade, often perforated through the centre.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Bronze Decorated Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Of penannular form, vertical grooves and snaking lines to the bezel, tapering arms with ornamental notching and punched ring-and-dot clusters to the terminals. 36.1 grams, 69 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Key
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Comprising a round-section tapering shank with ribbed collar to each end; polyhedral block to each end, quatrefoil bit with openwork design, pierced suspension lug. 43.8 grams, 11.6 cm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Decorated Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With a reversed C-shaped body tapering towards the terminals, geometric ornament in relief including lozenges and pecking; terminals absent. 66 grams, 38 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Similar bracelets were found usually in female graves in the Hemlanden cemetery in Birka. Sometimes they were found in pairs, sometimes worn only on the right arm. Their main characteristic was the geometric decoration engraved on the surface.