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LOT 1670
Viking Age Iron Long Bearded Axe Head
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (603 grams, 14.5 cm).
With broad curved blade and short spur beneath the chin, narrow neck, deep socket with extended edge to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14, item 3; Kirpichnikov, A.N., Drevnerusskoe Oruzie, II, Moscow-Leningrad, 1966, in Arkheologiia SSSR, vol. E1-36, especially axes nos.1,5, from Веськово and Селибка (pl.XIII), and no.6 (pl.XXII) from Гусева Гора; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl V, items 16, 17, 20; pl.CXXIV, item 1.
FootnotesThe axe seems to be a variation of type IV of the Kirpichnikov classification of the Eastern Rus Axes typology. These axes appeared in the 10th century, and continued in the 10th-11th century.
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:
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High-Status Scandinavian Viking Silver Snarling Dragon Mount
9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
Featuring a chip-carved knotted scheme between scrolling flanks, dragon’s head terminal with upturned nostrils and snarling mouth revealing two rows of vicious teeth; flat back with three studs for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 7 grams, 23 mm (21 grams total, 57mm including stand)
Very fine condition.
Previously in a North European collection. Ex UK collection. Nigel Mills, East London, UK. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.
Animal heads of this size were often used to make mounts or small weights. They often had insertions of precious stones in the eyes and cavities, and were made of gold, silver, lead, and gilded bronze. The Norse mythological bestiary was varied, and dragon heads were common. Perhaps this head represents the world serpent, Jǫrmungandr, son of Loki and destined to die at the hands of Thor in Ragnarok, in turn killing the god with his poisonous exhalations. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Mount with Bear's Heads
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Openwork mount of Williams's Class A Type 16, tongue-shaped with tendrils and two facing bears' heads, vestigial ledge to rear and ferrous stud. 27.1 grams, 47 mm
Found Norfolk, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.
The form with two stacked facing masks is unusual, although mounts of Class B regularly feature multiple heads. -
Viking Age Finno-Ugrian Socketted Axe Head
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
A Finno-Ugrian or Baltic hand-forged iron axehead with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin and spur to the rear, socket with flanges to the rear. 694 grams, 14.2 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
During the mid 13th century, the axes were favourited by Baltic people. For instance, the Curonian army 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.
