Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead

The bowl forged from a single piece and fitted with removable cheek-pieces; the dome divided into two halves by a carinated ridge, the peaked crown separated from the lower helmet wall by an indented ridge; cut-outs for ears and eyes with raised edges; short, angular neck-guard and short nose-guard extending to the eyebrows; the cheek-pieces with contoured front edge, holes for a chin-strap; remains of textile on the left side of the bowl; accompanied by a display stand. 2.15 kg total, 43 cm high including stand



From the collection of T.K., Germany, 1970s. Acquired in 1992 by Mr R.K. Acquired by the present owner on the UK art market. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12782-240166. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Hinged cheek-pieces, like in our specimen, appeared in Thracia during the 4th century, but prototypes from the Pontic area and wider Greece show them already in use in the 5th century B.C. The traces of textile on the left part of our helmet show that it was stored inside a protective item -perhaps a case or bag – guarding it against atmospheric agents or possible damage when not in use.

Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge. 190 grams, 10.9 cm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting.

Piriform body with domed mouth, stamped rosettes to the upper body with a decorative band of teardrop-shaped motifs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 601 grams, 12.3 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.