Loading, please wait...
LOT 1837
Viking Iron Fighting Broad Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
7 7/8 in. (474 grams, 20 cm).
With triangular spurs flanking the square socket, broad flaring triangular-section blade extending to a curved edge with carination to its rear, hammer extension to the reverse of socket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American private collection, 1970s-1990s.
PublishedExhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 4th March 2026-7th June 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureCf. Williams, G., Pentz, P. & Wemhoff, M., Vikings Life and Legend, London, 2014, item 25, p.90, 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:
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.
-
Luristan Bronze Tanged Lancehead
800-600 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With a tapering rectangular-section blade and a short tang. 239 grams, 31 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These shoulderless spearheads are introducing the Luristan and Hamadan in the Median and Achaemenid Periods. The bronze type was cast in a mould, and the length suggests it was a throwing weapon or used in conjunction with a chariot. -
Very Large Medieval Socketted Iron Swallow-Tailed Arrowhead
Circa 13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With elongated swept barbs flanking a butted socket. 29.3 grams, 14.5 cm
Acquired from a USA private collector in the 1990s. Ex Buckinghamshire, UK, collection. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead or Javelin Head with Inscribed X
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Leaf-shaped with two cutting edges and a broad point, low midrib, on the face an incised 'X' in a square. 15.17 grams, 11.34 cm
Ex Guttman collection, Germany. with Christie's, 28 April 2004, no.27 (part). Acquired from Bidancient and Artifacts UK, 2009. Ex important collection of Greek artefacts, London, UK.
The letter X has been found in various Semitic/Accadic or even Philistine Inscriptions in the Levant: dated between 13th-10th centuries B.C.: on the Lachish bowl no.1, on the Ruweiseh arrowhead, on a Byblian bronze spatula, on the Ahiram graffito, at Yehimilk. This suggests that the arrow or javelin head has been made in the Levant or the Fertile Crescent.
