Loading, please wait...
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:
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.
-
.jpg)
Archaic Greek Modified Bronze Corinthian Helmet
Late 7th-early 6th century B.C.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,222
Consisting of two sections joined with bronze rivets; above a domed section with row of rivets; below, a folded band with rolled rim, with rivets to the rear holding two halves; line of holes to the base for securing an inner lining. 2.2 kg total, 31.5 cm high including stand
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex private Austrian collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a metal analysis and appraisal by Dr Brian Gilmour. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11764-203980.
The upper part of the helmet was probably modified in antiquity, the lower part of the eye holes and the cheek pieces have been cut away, and replacement cheek pieces, now lacking, were once crudely rivetted to the sides. -
.jpg)
Viking Iron Axehead with Silver Inlaid Interlaced Dragons
7th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,240
To both lateral faces, the upper face of the blade and the rear of the socket decorated with an interlaced design; slender body with bearded lower edge and curved blade, lateral spurs and rectangular panel to the butt. 282 grams, 14 cm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a four page report written by Saxon and Viking specialist Stephen Pollington. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11878-206842.
The style of the design inlaid to the axe is interesting since it evidently owes a great deal to the kinds of Insular Style ornament found in manuscripts of the 8th century in the British Isles. The elegant curves of the narrow tendrils are strongly reminiscent of the zoomorphic elements found in the Lindisfarne Gospels, St Gall Codex and the Book of Kells (Salin, 1935, pp.342-3; Moss, 2018) and the inlaid designs show the characteristic parallel curves found for example on some of the initials in those documents. The tight knot serpentine bodies recalls the similar dense knot found in the Kells manuscript (Salin's figure 731). However, the details of the layout and execution show that the piece is unlikely to have originated in the British Isles. -
Post Medieval Lead Musket Ball Group
Circa 17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9
Comprising examples with seams and of varying sizes. 1.8 kg total, 11-19 mm
Found Berkshire, UK.
