Loading, please wait...
LOT 0240
Viking Age Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
10TH CENTURY A.D.
35 in. (755 grams, 89 cm).
A double-edged sword of Petersen Type L or S variant with straight tapering blade, light traces of pattern-welding and battle-nicks along the blade, tapering fullers and a sturdy long tang; boat-shaped lower guard curving gently towards the blade, decorated with punched ring-and-dot ornament along the edges; the upper guard with Trewhiddle Style ornament, surmounted by an elegant five-lobed pommel decorated with geometric patterns in the same style; cleaned and conserved.
ProvenanceAcquired 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 searcher certificate no.11574-198855.
Cf. Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Oakeshott, R.E., Records of the Medieval Sword, London, 2000; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; the sword finds parallels in various similar Viking age specimens of L variant, two very similar swords, both preserved at the British Museum (inv.1848,10-21.1 and 1856,7-1,1404), have been published by Peirce (2002, pp.77-81); however, the pommel is certainly akin to the type S swords, like an example from London (British Museum, accession number 1887,2-9,1, Peirce, 2002, pp.104-105) or a sword in the National Museum in Copenhagen (C16430, Peirce, 2002, pp.106-107).
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:
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.
-
Large Byzantine Silver Archer's Ring
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
A substantial silver archer's ring comprising a hoop with reserved triangular ornament on the edges and triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.61 grams, 34.77 mm overall, 25.16 mm internal diameter
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Archer rings in Late Byzantium and the medieval Balkans were connected with the employment of the powerful composite bow, but very often, in 14th century, they were rank symbol for aristocratic noblemen. Archaeological findings of archers’ rings originate mainly from fortified towns, including mining centres. Many were made in bone, simple in design and undecorated. In contrast, the ones made in bronze and silver were usually decorated in rather uniform style, consisting of floral motifs on the head, mostly tulip and foliage, and linear motifs around the edges. This decoration combined Turkish, Central European and Eastern Roman traditional patterns. -
Roman Ballista Catapult Shot Group
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
A pair of differently sized ballistas made from limestone, suitable for use with a catapult type siege weapon. 650 grams total, 55-71 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Luristan Socketted Axe-Adze
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £121
A substantial copper-alloy adze-axe head composed of a cylindrical socket, one blade at a right angle to the socket with tapering sides and D-section cutting edge; one blade upright with convex cutting edge. 559 grams, 16.5 cm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s. London, UK, private collection. Property of an Essex gentleman.
