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LOT 1083
Viking Period Bearded Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (422 grams, 15.2 cm).
A hand-forged iron axehead with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, socket with lateral flanges and rectangular panel to the rear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. Thunmark-Nylén, L., Die Wikingerzeit Gotlands I.: Abbildungen der Graubfunde, Stockholm, 1992, plate 13, item 14.
FootnotesThe axe appears to belong to the typology of Viking side axes of Wheeler type B (Wheeler III / Rygh 559). Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams, or heads during the battle. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx, the neck on such 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter.
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AUCTIONS:
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Abelita family collection, 1980-2015.
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Viking Period Danish Type Broad Axehead
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
An iron broad axehead of asymmetrical profile with reinforced curved cutting edge, triangular-section socket with flanking spurs to upper and lower edges. 387 grams, 15.7 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The broad axe of type M is a weapon specifically designed as battle-axe with the edge, being Þunssleginn, i.e. thinly forged. These broad axes were the prerogative of the housecarls of the Anglo-Danish King Canute, of the guardsmen fighting with Harold at Stamford Bridge and Hastings in 1066 A.D. and of the famous Varangian Guard of the Roman emperors of Constantinople. -
Western Asiatic Dagger with Integral Hilt
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
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Fine condition.
Abelita family collection, 1980-2015.
