Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0306
Viking Age Iron 'Gotland Type' Axe Head
CIRCA 9TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (635 grams, 16.5 cm).
With curved blade and trefoil-shaped chin to the lower edge, round socket with triangular flanges to the upper edge and trefoil-shaped flanges to the lower face.
Provenance
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Literature
Cf. similar specimen in the Swedish Historical Museum, inventory no.120502_HST, found in a field at Rommunds, Gammelgarn Parish, Gotland; cf. also Hjardar, K. & Vike, V., Vikings at war, Oxford-Philadelphia, 2016, p.161, for a similar example in the typology of decorated axes.
Footnotes
The axe head was made in a particular shape showing elements of plant ornamentation and it may have been used both as a battle axe and working axe. Most men were farmers or labourers on a farm and rarely carried a weapon other than a knife and an axe. Nevertheless, battle, the hunt and the ability to ride were important elements of what constituted the ideal Viking man.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Luristan Copper Flat Axe
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed with a rounded butt and flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section. 113 grams, 16.9 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Including triangular, leaf-shaped, barbed and other types. 324 grams total, 37-92 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
The arrowhead of type IV according to Khorasani classification (arrowheads with jet like wings) is very interesting and rare. Similar arrowheads, often found in the Marlik excavations, looked like a stylised flying bird, such as a swallow. They have rounded terminals of the stretched-out wings. The rib on the blade thickens towards the point. -
Medieval and Later Bronze Buckle Collection
14th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Including double-frame, shoe-buckle, scrolled and other types; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 474 grams total, 12-71 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
