Loading, please wait...
LOT 1603
Viking Age Iron Axe-Hammer
CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
7 3/4 in. (324 grams, 19.5 cm).
With a broad curved blade, narrow neck and hammer extension to the rear; round socket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Californian, USA, gentleman, dating back to the late 1960s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate LII, item 15.
FootnotesThe 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 long bows, while swords were usually imported from Germanic areas, Sweden or from elsewhere Scandinavia, some having often typically Scandinavian animal ornaments, although there are some Finnish made finds too.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Viking Age Silver 'Hoard' Group
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Comprising: a flat-section bracelet with raised ribs; two bracelets each of twisted silver wire; group of five silver Dirhem coins, each mounted for use as a pendant. 71 grams total, 18-55 mm
From a South German collection. Previously with Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany. Ex New York Gallery, USA, November 2009. Property of an important West London collector, inventory no.1122. -
Viking Age Scandinavian Silver Odin Pendant with Ravens
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
A discoid silver pendant with integral loop, beaded border enclosing a low-relief niello image of a male facing mask between two birds embraced at the necks. 1.76 grams, 21 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Urnes Style Entwined Beast Stirrup Mount
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
A rare variant of Williams's Class A Type 10b, a heater-shaped plaque with pierced lug at the apex, two piercings below, low-relief openwork Urnes style design with standing beast and entwined tendrils, narrow ledge to the reverse, the apex terminating in a diamond shape. 30.48 grams, 54 mm
Found Cambridgeshire, UK.
The mount has the decorative scheme of Williams's Class A Type 10b but its proportions are closer to his Class A Type 11 with a narrow and elongated upper knop.
