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Details
LOT 1431
Viking Age Iron Axehead
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 in. (447 grams, 16 cm).
With flaring triangular-section blade extending to a curved edge, socket with lateral flanges and hammer extension to the rear. [No Reserve]
Provenance
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CX, item 41, for similar type.
Footnotes
The axe seems to be product of Baltic workmanship. The Curonians were known as fierce warriors and sailors who were involved in several wars and alliances with the Swedish, Danish and Icelandic Vikings. Baltic tribes created an original and impressive set of weaponry. They included battle knives, battle axes and spears and javelins with medium sized heads of a characteristic shape.
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