Loading, please wait...
LOT 1569
Viking Age Iron Hook-Billed Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (347 grams, 16.5 cm).
Broad blade with thickened edge, rounded socket with lateral triangular extensions. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American collection, 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14(1); 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
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.
-
Roman 'Consular' Lead Slingshot
1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Fusiform shot with casting nipple at each end, low-relief legend 'COS' to one face and traces of letters on the other. 38 grams, 36 mm
From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s.
The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviation COS, meaning CO(N)S(UL), the highest military magistrate of the Roman Res Publica. The projectiles were made of different materials: lead (glandes) or pottery or stone (lapides missiles). -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Mainly barbed and tanged types of slender profile. 287 grams total, 6.2-17.7 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Egg-shaped with spiked prongs to the socket, narrow rounded cutting edge. 148 grams, 13.2 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife-edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting.
