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LOT 1747
Viking Age Iron Socketted Hook-Billed Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (618 grams, 15.2 cm).
With a long, deeply curved blade, short neck, socket with slightly curved wings above and below, and hammer-face to rear; professionally cleaned, conserved, and restored. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate CXXIV, item 1.
FootnotesThese axes are typical of Baltic workmanship. During this age, the axes were the favourite weapons of many Baltic people, including the Curonian army, which 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1747
Viking Age Iron Socketted Hook-Billed Axehead
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
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Viking Age Silver Filigree Teardrop Pendant
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Hollow-formed with integral suspension lug above, applied granulation and filigree forming a stylised face; cleaned and polished. 5.34 grams, 51 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
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Viking Age Silver Strap End Group
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Each a waisted tongue-shaped plaque with openwork detailing to the obverse, incised vegetation. 14 grams total, 44-48 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Pre-Viking Period Bronze Ring with Wolf Heads
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Penannular hoop expanding at the shoulders; the shoulders with fur detailing, and each of the finials formed as a wolf's head with large annular eyes and pointed ears. 10.25 grams, 27.53 mm overall, 21.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Found near Thetford, Norfolk, UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Some rings from the Vendel period were adorned with images of monstrous animals, derived from Norse mythology. The stylisation of these animal heads recalled the wolf Fenrir, or the World Serpent, Jörmungandr.
