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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.
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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. -
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. -
Iron Age Celtic Sacrificed Sword and Axehead Group
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Ritualistically bent in the middle of the blade; together with two socketted axeheads, one Roman, one Celtic. 1.25 kg total, 10-60 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
