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Details
LOT 1446
Viking Age Iron Curved T-Shaped Axehead
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (482 grams, 17 cm).
With broad curved edge, slender neck, round flared socket with lateral wings to each face and round extension on the rear; professionally cleaned, conserved and restored. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Ex property of a London businessman, from his grandfather's collection formed after World War II; thence by descent 1972.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CX, item 43.
Footnotes
These axes are typical of Baltic workmanship. During this age, the axes were the favourite weapons of many Baltic people, including the Curonian army which included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield, and a wide-bladed axe.
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