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LOT 1179
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (563 grams, 14.6 cm).
Featuring a sub-triangular socket, rectangular butt and bearded head with convex cutting edge. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
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:
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Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop
3rd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £221
Composed of four arms tipped with triangular spikes. 24 grams, 73 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73; 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
With a narrow pointed blade and wide raised flange down centre, straight sides, well marked shoulders with narrow tang, one hole for rivet. 128 grams total, 17.6 cm high including stand
From the possessions of a member of a German princely family, gathered in the late 19th century, until the 1930s. with Auction House CUSP, Vienna, Auction Antique Art from Asia and from the Eastern Mediterranean, 16 June 2012, lot 75 [Part].
The type was technically more advanced than previous types of blades in the Near East, owing to the shape of the weapon, with its slightly convex sides widening out near the point, which combined the advantages of the leaf-shaped and straight-sided forms. -
'The Repton' British Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,061
Hand-forged with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, socket with rounded extensions to the rear. 464 grams, 15 cm
Found Repton, Nottingham, UK, in the 1960s. Gary Edwards, York, UK. Private collection, Preston, UK. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and receipt from Gary Edwards, no.12386.
The bearded axehead were called skeggöks, in Norse language, and had a long edge designated to work split tree-trunks into planks and beams.
