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LOT 1787
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (358 grams, 15.1 cm).
With a broad, curved blade and a narrow neck, a round socket with an extended edge to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American collection, 1970s-1980s.
LiteratureCf.Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14 (3); Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIV, item 4.
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 Iron Sword of Petersen Type L
10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
Double-edged cutting sword with tapering blade showing battle nicks along the length, tapering fullers showing shallow traces of pattern-welding, long tang, a boat-shaped lower guard and a three-lobed pommel. 775 grams, 86.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. 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.13261-254356.
This type, considered as Anglo-Saxon in origin, is usually dated to 850-975 A.D., and is considered to form a distinctive group of Viking Age swords. Although used by the Vikings, it is probable that these swords were of English manufacture or inspiration. Swords of Type L are remarkable for their crosspieces and pommel bases curved away from the grip and lobed pommels. -
Western Asiatic Integral Hilted Bronze Short Sword
Late 3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With a broad, lentoid-section flat blade, rounded tip, sloping sides, well marked shoulders with wide but short tang. 713 grams, 43.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The sword finds similarity with a one from the Royal Cemetery of Ur. This is the most primitive form of dagger, consisting of a simple, pointed blade having slightly convex outline shoulders sloping to a short tang which has no rivets, and was probably hafted to wood with bitumen. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Bulbous, undecorated body with dome filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 670 grams, 12.1 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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'.
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.
