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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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Luristan Bronze Hilted Dirk
Circa 1000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
The blade with a tapering profile, triangular in overall form, with square shoulders, penannular guard with strong midrib, flanged hilt with straight grip, widening slightly into a fan-shaped pommel. 363 grams, 47.5 cm
Acquired from Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK. Ex Alexander Cotton collection, Hampshire, UK 1980s.
These types of short sword or dirks were usually cast in one piece, and the penannular rib in relief was cast on at the same time with the handle of the blade. In some cases, however, the penannular rib was later cast on the dagger, possibly to strengthen a weak point at the junction of hilt and blade. The flanged hilt was originally filled with organic material like bone. -
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. -
German Hand-And-A-Half Bastard Sword
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Comprising a straight, flat triple fuller, double edged and tapering blade engraved with imperial orb sign, Passau wolf mark dated 15th century and 'DIGN LAGDIGNLA', with steel hilt comprising of down-turned quillons with ball finials and single ring outer defence, the bars of round section; matching inner defence bar with matching decoration to the quillons, spherical pommel rebound leather grip with original 'Turk's heads' to top and bottom but worn. 1.46 kg, 1.05 m
Acquired from Military Swords Ltd, UK, 2017. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.203964.
