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LOT 1540
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]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14(1).
FootnotesIron 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.
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
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Viking Age Gilt Bronze Oseberg Box Brooch with Entwined Animals
8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,510
Formed as a hollow drum-shaped casting with ornament to the obverse and sidewall; the high-relief designs comprising three radiating panels of Oseberg Style 'gripping-beast' motifs with a dome at the centre and three to the beaded border; the slightly sloping sidewall with four panels of S-shaped animals with interlaced tendrils, separated by beaded borders; to the reverse, the perimeter flange supported by two integral blocks supporting the catchplate and pin-hole respectively, the latter damaged and replaced by a second offset hole. 44 grams, 50 mm
European collection, acquired 1980s. Ex property of a UK collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 200319.
The Oseberg style shows a strong interplay between zoomorphic and geometric patterns that continues artistic traditions predating the Viking Age, but continued in the Viking Age at least until 875 A.D. While 8th century art and ornaments show considerable variation across Scandinavia, the gripping-beast motif was adopted in every region within a few decades after 790 A.D. -
Viking Age Bronze Stamped Penannular Brooch
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Featuring facetted terminals, stamped triangles, annulets and other motifs to the body and pin head; the latter free-running. 25.9 grams, 57 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Gilt Bronze Pendant with Lobed Cross
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Composed of raised pellets, integral suspension loop. 7.29 grams, 33 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
