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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.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. 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.
FootnotesThe 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.
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Medieval Iron Broad Axehead with Maker's Mark
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
The socket D-shaped in plan with gently curved rear edge, narrow neck ad swept curve to the blade with forge-welded steel edge; lateral stamped mark. 700 grams, 210 mm
Ex private North American collection, California, USA, 1970s-1990s. -
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Migration Period Iron Sword with Bronze Pommel
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
A spatha with a double-edged parallel-sided blade, battle nicks to both cutting edges; long tang with a fastening rivet in situ; small trapezoidal bronze pommel. 707 grams, 91 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 a search certificate number no.12040-216429.
The spatha, often with an elegantly decorated hilt with golden elements, was characterised by a relatively light handle so that the centre of gravity of the weapon was moved towards the tip. The evolution of the 'barbarian' long sword in the west, during the invasions, began around the 5th century. -
Saxon to Medieval Iron Spearhead Collection
7th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Comprising socketted spearheads or javelin heads with small lanceolate and lozenge-shaped heads, lentoid in section; one with a split socket and fastening rivet, another with the fastening hole for the shaft still in situ. 286 grams total, 14.5-19.5 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The distinction between the early medieval lance and spear is difficult, However the lance (or the javelin), normally employed by mounted warriors, had a small slender and stouter blade, and a short wider socket. Both the spear and javelins could be used as throwing weapons by the 14th-15th century light cavalry, like the Spanish Jinetes.
