Loading, please wait...
LOT 0276
Viking Iron Sword with Three-Lobed Pommel
10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
36 3/4 in. (1.07 kg, 92.5 cm).
Double-edged cutting sword of Petersen Type S or T variant with tapering blade bearing some deep battle scars; boat-shaped straight lower guard and tapering tang; boat-shaped upper guard supporting a massive three-lobed pommel with remains of silver inlay to both sides.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12039-216430.
Cf. the sword finds parallels in various similar Viking age specimens of variant T, published in Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919, especially the sword from Utgården, seliord, Telemark, p.151, fig.121; or types S and T in Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002, pp.106-109, specimens C16430 and C18454-C3210 & C3211; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIII no.11.
FootnotesThese swords were widely used in the Baltic area, to the extent that V. Kazakevicius noticed a variation within the decoration of some Type T swords, creating a Curonian type T, which were most likely of Baltic manufacture (at least the hilt construction). The traces of silver ornaments are not sufficient to determine the type of ornamentation, but the remains are artistically consistent with archaeological examples of decorative work from the geographic region or estimated cultural point of origin, probably Eastern Scandinavia or the Baltic areas.
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.
-
Elamite War Chariot Wheel Fittings
Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,240
Comprising five large wheel clamps and twenty conical rivets; each C-section clamp with tongue-shaped later lugs with rivets to both sides; mounted on a custom-made wheel-shaped display mount. 19.35 kg, 98 cm diameter
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12038-216335.
The custom of burying the deceased with chariots and the respective yoked animals has been documented since the 3rd millennium B.C. Bronze wheel clamps similar to these have been found in Elamite and Urartian graves, and are consistent with Assyrian and Elamite models. These clamps have important parallels, including those found from the Susa region which show an affinity with Assyrian iconography. -
Viking Age Iron Long-Bladed Axehead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With triangular-section narrow blade widening to a bevelled edge, socket with rounded extension to the rear. 723 grams, 19 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Medieval Lozenge-Shaped Iron Arrowhead
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Lanceolate in profile with split socket. 16.8 grams, 99 mm
Acquired prior to 2000. Ex Private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK. Property of a Kent lady collector.
