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LOT 1075
Viking Period Bearded Type Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
7 7/8 in. (777 grams, 20 cm).
An iron axehead with broad curved blade and spur to the chin, narrow neck, deep socket with lateral spurs and extended plate to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
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.
FootnotesIron axeheads of this typology show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade, sometimes perforated through the centre. They are characterised by two projecting spurs to the back of the shaft-hole.
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Viking Rus Period Bearded Type Axehead
Circa 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
An iron axehead with sturdy neck and slightly curved triangular blade; socket with lateral flanges and long rectangular extension to the rear. 746 grams, 19 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The axe seems to be a variation of type III of the Kirpichnikov classification of the Eastern Rus Axes typology - battle axes with downwards blade, two pairs of side wings and an elongated cut-out butt. Paulsen called the related type "Varangian group" of North Baltic axes. -
Luristan Sar-e Tabar Socketted Axehead
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
A bronze axe with plain cylindrical socket and staff, off-set at the base, of simple undecorated shape with a long lentoid-section D-shaped blade with scooped profile. 465 grams, 18 cm
Fine condition, regular patina on the surface.
Earlier 20th century collection. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Dr D.G. collection, 1990s-2019.
Many examples of bronze axeheads are attributed to the Luristan culture and various shapes have been discussed by different scholars. Moorey (1971, pp.39-41) shows similar axeheads, stating that the texts executed on some specimens have shown them made of arsenical bronze, and attributes them to the late 3rd millennium B.C. or 2nd millennium B.C., period in which this alloy was used abundantly. -
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.
