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LOT 1842
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (600 grams, 16.5 cm).
With a slender blade, chin to the lower edge with a spur to the rear, round socket with rectangular flanges; traces of the original wooden shaft inside the 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 (3); Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIV, item 4, for type.
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 Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
With a slender blade, chin to the lower edge with a spur to the rear, round socket with rectangular flanges; traces of the original wooden shaft inside the socket. 600 grams, 16.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Piriform in profile with a stepped neck, incised decoration and three raised lugs; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 534 grams, 14 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s.
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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Bronze Age Sword-Shaped Pendant
Koban Culture, circa 1300-400 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Formed as a leaf-shaped blade with raised ribs on both sides, pierced through the tang. 41 grams, 12.2 cm
From an ancient art collection, formerly acquired in the UK, European, and USA art markets from pre-2000 collections. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.
