Loading, please wait...
LOT 1157
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
6 7/8 in. (779 grams, 17.5 cm).
Finno-Ugrian with triangular-section blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with spur to the underside, socket with extended lower sleeve. [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.I, no.23.
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.
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.
-
North-West Persian Bronze Sword Blade
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Narrow triangular blade with raised median panel, scooped shoulders and short tang with pierced bulb finial. 370 grams, 45 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
The hilt of this magnificent sword would have originally been made of organic material. The forms of hilt are often replicated on cast metal counterparts. As proved by excavations of sites like Sangtarashan, stones were often used for decorating metal weapons, especially for bronze dagger pommels. -
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Composed of a flanged and rounded butt, shaped lower edge and convex cutting edge. 688 grams, 16.2 cm
Ex American collection, acquired 1980-200. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. -
Greek Browband from Bronze Pseudo-Attic Helmet
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Semi-circular in shape, flat, the upper part raised, the lower one fitted with two fastening holes for the attachment to the upper bowl of the helmet; restored. 42 grams, 20.6 cm
Restored.
Private collection before 1937. Private collection, acquired February 1937, thence by descent. T.S. collection, UK, 1963.
The browband comes from a pseudo-Attic helmet of Thracian type (example from Brjastovec) or of a pseudo-Attic type with a high cap and fitted with a browband. These helmets, after prototypes already visible in the 5th century B.C., are typical of the Hellenistic era. The browband, if not fixed, was attached under the helmet's bowl, on the sides, by two rivets.
