Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1055

Viking Period Bearded Type Axehead

CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

7 7/8 in. (855 grams, 20 cm).

A hand-forged iron skeggöx (bearded axe) with asymmetrical triangular section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, curved edge, flared wings to the scooped socket and dorsal bar. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.

Literature

Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14, item 3; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, table V, items 16, 17, 20.

Footnotes

Iron axeheads of this typology show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade, often perforated through the centre. They are characterised by two projections spurs from the top and the bottom of the back of the shaft-hole.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

LOT 1055

Viking Period Bearded Type Axehead

Sold for (Inc. bp): £598

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Akkadian Bronze Mace Head
    Akkadian Bronze Mace Head
    2400-2000 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £390

    A bronze cylindrical mace head or cudgel with collared stem and flanged rim, the upper body with alternating vertical ribs and chevrons. 510 grams, 23 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

    Lot Details

  • Viking Period Danish Type Broad Axehead
    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.

    Lot Details

  • Volga-Ural Nomad Sabre
    Volga-Ural Nomad Sabre
    9th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £381

    An iron single-edged sabre with slightly curving blade showing battle nicks, evidence of a possible iron extension together with a tongue to the side of the blade, beneath the straight guard. 725 grams, 89 cm

    Fine condition.

    Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. Accompanied by an academic report by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Various sabres of similar typology were found in a complex of medieval nomad weapons in archaeological excavations in the steppe and forest-steppe zone of the Volga-Ural region; chronologically, they were dated to the 9th-11th centuries.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list