Viking Period Bearded Axehead

A lentoid-section lead slingshot (glans) specimen group. 185 grams total, 29-34 mm



Found Roding, Essex, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

Similar shots were used in the civil war among Pompey and Caesar, and in all of Caesar's wars. The funditores of Caesa's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul. They wore a short tunic, with leather or rope sandals to the feet, and a warm overcoat which could also have been used to store projectiles. They also used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets.

A pair of smooth-bore flintlock pistols of about 5mm bore formed as a knife and fork (two tines) set; with steel blades (the knife with a profile bust maker's mark) with the pistols contained within the brass foliate engraved handles, firing to the rear; each fitted with finely made steel single action flintlock mechanism to sides; contained in the original velvet-lined mahogany case with hinged lid and brass catches; actions in working order. 1.31 kg total, case 30 x 13 cm



Acquired Peter Wilson Auction, 2020, lot 13. Property of a Kent collector. Accompanied by lot ticket.

Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age.

A copper-alloy war-hammer composed of ellipsoidal socket, waisted butt with shallow conical face and tapering, lozenge-section head, inlaid with a silver 'net' design. 453 grams, 18.5 cm



Private collection of Mr M.B., Mainz, Germany, 1990s. Property of a London businessman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11203-186235.

The name obuch is Polish and means 'the blind end of an axe', but already at the beginning of the 15th century it meant a [unspecified] war hammer. According to Polish sources of 17th century, the war-hammer could have been formed into the shape of an axe (czekan), or in the form of a thick, slightly sloping spike (nadziak), or curved like a round cracknel (obuch). A 17th century description states: 'It was a terrible instrument in the hand of a Pole...With the sabre one could cut off somebody’s hand, cut the face, injure the head, and the running blood of the adversary would calm down the rancour. But with the obuch one could cause a deadly wound without even seeing the blood, and – not seeing it – he would not calm down instantly, but would strike several times without cutting the skin, breaking ribs and bones at the same time.'