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LOT 1603
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 7/8 in. (755 grams, 17.5 cm).
With triangular section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin and rear spur, rounded socket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14, item 3; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, table V, items 16, 17, 20.
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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Viking Age Silver Shield-Shaped Pendant with Sun
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Disc-shaped with incised Sol Invictus motif; integral loop with end wound about the shank. 0.97 grams, 29 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman. -
Viking Age Silver Pendant
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Discoid with stepped sides extending to a flattened and pierced lug above. 2.77 grams, 27 mm
Ex London collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Viking White Metal Filigree Crucifix Pendant
8th-12th century ADEstimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Depicting Christ bound by his wrists to the cross, wearing trousers; granulation to the body indicates a patterned shirt; beaded border around the perimeter of the cross; this lot bears close parallels with the ‘Birka Crucifix’ held by the Swedish History Museum but is not made from silver. 9.32 grams, 31 mm
Very fine condition, some wear. Rare.
Acquired on the London art market in the 2000s.
The Birka Crucifix pendant, unearthed from Birka grave 660 in Uppland, Sweden, is thought to be the oldest representation of Christ in the Nordic world and bears many similarities to this lot. The Swedish History Museum’s example was excavated from the grave of a wealthy female Christian convert; it is a filigree figure of Christ bound to the cross by his wrists, wearing trousers; this lot is a lower-relief white metal filigree crucifix with integral suspension loop, featuring a representation of head and face executed in the same shape and style as that of the Birka Crucifix figure.
