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LOT 1088
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/8 in. (498 grams, 16.2 cm).
Finno-Ugrian with scooped socket, broad blade with extension to the lower edge, hole to the blade, possibly of Baltic workmanship. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. Nicolle, D., 'Raiders of the Ice War' in Military Illustrated, March, 1996, no.94, pp.26-29, fig.p.28, for similar axes; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.V, item 16.
FootnotesDuring their struggles against Germans and Teutonic Knights, deceased pagans were often cremated along with damaged or ceremonially sacrificed weaponry. If swords were generally reserved for the military elite, the side axe was one of the most commonly used weapons.
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Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising eight caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. 250 grams total, 79-84 mm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. -
Luristan Bronze Dagger
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £160
Comprising a narrow double-edged blade, triangular in profile with raised midrib, rectangular guard with flanges, rectangular grip with lateral flanges to accept an organic grip, curved integral finial. 312 grams, 43 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
This weapon is typical of the cemeteries dating to the local Late Bronze Age (1300-1000 B.C.). The blade is still triangular but the crescentic pommel is reduced and flanged to be filled with organic material such as bone or wood. -
Viking Age And Later Iron Axehead Group
Circa 11th-18th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Composed of socketted axeheads, hammer heads, adze-axes and wedges of various types; including examples stamped with maker's marks. 7.8 kg total, 9.5-26.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
