Loading, please wait...
LOT 1422
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (252 grams, 11.2 cm).
With curved blade and chin to the lower edge, round socket with lateral triangular flanges and flattened rear-edge. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection, 1990s.
Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija (Ugro-Finnian and Baltics in the Middle Ages, in Russian), Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIV, items 3-4.
FootnotesThis type of bearded axe seems to correspond to the E2 category of the Viking axe classification. Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx; the neck on such 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter. Bearded axes of this type appear also in the weaponry of people from the Baltic.
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.
-
Large Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
With broad leaf-shaped blade, heavy midrib and tapering tubular socket pierced for attachment in two directions. 375 grams, 28 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Danish Iron Broad Axehead
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With rectangular spurs above and below the curved socket, medium-broad flaring triangular-section blade extending to a curved edge, hammer extension to the rear. 245 grams, 13.6 cm
Fair condition.
Private collection, York, UK, 1990s. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The first specialised battle-axes which appeared in the second half of the 10th century A.D. were light, narrow, usually thinly forged but with broad-edged blades, sometimes decorated with precious metals. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising: four large tanged arrowheads, mainly of triangular type with mid-rib; six triangular, leaf-shaped, barbed, and paddle-shaped arrowheads with a flat, comparatively wide mid-rib; one small triangular arrowhead with rounded shoulders; two arrowheads with wings, resembling a stylised flying bird; one foliate with herringbone decoration on the midrib; a triangular type with flat mid-rib and raised corners; two small paddle-shaped arrowheads with flat mid-rib; an Achaemenid trilobate socketted arrowhead. 253 grams total, 3.7-15 cm
From the London art market, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The most interesting specimen is the foliate blade with herringbone decoration on the mid-rib. Two examples with similar decoration are published by Muscarella, that according to the publications of Ghirsman are typical of North-West Iranian Plateau.
