Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead

9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

6 1/8 in. (567 grams, 15.5 cm).

Composed of a convex cutting edge, tapering cheeks with bearded lower edge and an oval-shaped socket with lozengiform flanges and roughly rectangular extensions to the butt, hole inside the blade. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.

Literature

Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14(1).

Footnotes

Iron axeheads of this typology, diffused especially in the regions of the Baltic Sea where they were imported from Scandinavia, show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade, often perforated through the centre. They are characterised by two projections spurs from the top and the bottom of the back of the shaft-hole.

CONDITION

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LOT 1540