Loading, please wait...

Viking Age Iron Long Bearded Axehead Viking Age Iron Long Bearded Axehead Viking Age Iron Long Bearded Axehead
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 1484

Viking Age Iron Long Bearded Axehead

10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

7 7/8 in. (648 grams, 20 cm).

Finely curved broad blade with chin to the lower edge, rounded socket with lateral triangular extensions and a rectangular extension to the rear; restored and conserved. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

Cf. 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.

Footnotes

This type of bearded axe seems to correspond to the E2 category of the Viking axe classification, but also has affinity with the Slavic type of axes Y. Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx; the neck on such a 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter.

CONDITION
VETTING:

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.

LOT 1484

Viking Age Iron Long Bearded Axehead

Sold for (Inc. bp): £936

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Post Medieval Iron Dagger with Bronze Hilt
    Post Medieval Iron Dagger with Bronze Hilt
    17th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £247

    Comprising a triangular two-edged blade with median chamfer, ricasso at the rear, quillons formed as two vertical rings on short arms, wooden grip with most of the hatched mounting ring, rectangular pommel with raised panel to each face. 276 grams, 42.2 cm



    Previously acquired at a UK auction in the 1990s. Acquired from an Oxfordshire antiques centre. Property of a Berkshire, UK, collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Swords and daggers with a square pommel became fashionable in the early 16th century, a Central European fashion. The edges of the present weapon do not ever appear to have been sharpened, so this may have been a parade-piece.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
    Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
    3rd-2nd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £50

    Piriform with vertical socket expanding towards the narrower end. 342 grams, 67 mm



    Ex London, UK, collection, 1990-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Large Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
    Large Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
    2nd-1st millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £125

    With broad leaf-shaped blade, heavy midrib and tapering tubular socket pierced for attachment in two directions. 375 grams, 28 cm



    Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list