Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0262
Viking Age Iron Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
35 1/4 in. (1.05 kg, 89.5 cm).
Composed of a double-edged tapering blade of Petersen Type T variant, with a slightly rounded point, shallow fullers; boat-shaped cross guard with traces of vertical silver strips, narrow tang; boat-shaped upper guard supporting a five-lobed pommel with traces of silver inlay.
Provenance
Acquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
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 search certificate number no.11755-202775.
Literature
Cf. Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987; the sword finds parallels in various similar Viking age specimens of T variant, published by Petersen (especially a sword from Utgården, Seliord, Telemark, p.151, fig.121), or types S and T published by Peirce (specimens C16430 and C18454-C3210 & C3211, pp.106-109) and Sedov (pl.CXXIII no.11).
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
German WWII MG34 Anti-Aircraft Gun Sight
1939-1945 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Steel gunsight with three rings and cross-wires and pillar mount to fit the MG34 general purpose machine gun. 80 grams, 14 cm
Acquired from RJ Militaria, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the listing and an image. -
Roman Bronze Military Helmet Face Guard Section
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
From the right side of the face mask, the upper edge with a band of embossed diagonal lines, probably intending to represent stylised hair, embossed spiral to the centre, a symbol clearly connected with the worship of the sun; a hole for the fastening thongs at ear-level which originally linked the face-guard to the bowl. 75 grams, 13 cm high
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
The spiral decoration of the face-guard is connected with the solar cult. The spiral represents the rotary movement of the sun, and the spiral is probably the oldest known spiritual symbol connected with the sun, together with the swastika or tetragammadion. The connection can also be seen in Celtic art, where the representation of the spiral also follows the path of the sun, describing the movements of the heavenly body over the course of a solar year. The third century was characterised by diffusion of the solar cult, the Sol Invictus, among the Roman soldiers, with its symbols often represented on arms and weapons as an apotropaic element of protection. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Finno-Ugrian iron forged 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. 821 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
During the mid 13th century, the axes were favourite weapons among 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.