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
-
Medieval Crossbow Bolt Group
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising four bolts with lanceolate-pyramidal heads. 166 grams total, 68-88 mm
From a private European collection, formed in the 1980s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Of squat piriform shape with shallow vertical dashes decorating the upper body, stamped triangles above and below. 579 grams, 10.4 cm
Family collection, acquired 1980-2015. Ex property of a North London gentleman. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Greek Style Bronze Helmet
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Featuring hammered helmet detailing together with mythical creatures and coiled snakes. 1.5 kg, 30.5 cm high
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The helmet is modelled upon the pseudo-Corinthian models of antiquity. The gryphon represented refers to the wars between these mythological creatures and the Arimaspes.