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LOT 1073
Viking Period Danish Type Broad Axehead
CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/8 in. (387 grams, 15.7 cm).
An iron broad axehead of asymmetrical profile with reinforced curved cutting edge, triangular-section socket with flanking spurs to upper and lower edges. [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(5); Hjardar K. and Vike, V., Vikings at war, Oxford-Philadelphia, 2016, p.162, for a similar specimen from Troms, dated 1000-1050 A.D.
FootnotesThe 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.
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Luristan Sword Blade
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £936
A bronze sword with solid cast hilt with penannular guard and a horizontally ribbed grip; a conical stone mushroom pommel and a multi-fullered blade tapering to a sharp tip; handle repaired. 876 grams, 56 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
According to Moorey, such category of swords were distributed in the Northern Iran area, as proved by the Amarlu finds. Based on the example from the Ashmolean Museum, he dated them to the end of the 2nd millennium B.C., more precisely to a period between 1400-1200 B.C. -
Levantine Helmet with Opposing Ibexes
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,200
A Levantine or Assyrian domed bronze helmet of ovoid shape with slightly pointed top and integral cheek-pieces; chased low-relief decoration to both front and back depicting insignia of a pair of opposing ibexes flanking a small palm tree; the edge with regularly disposed holes for fastening of the leather lining; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 458 grams, 23 cm high (2.36 kg total, 31.5 cm high including stand)
Fine condition, some restoration.
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. 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 search certificate no.11386-190447.
This rare helmet is an unusual example of a conical strap-helmet, linked with similar Greek strap helmets, but until now in the Near East, known only from the Assyrian reliefs. It is shown together with the crested helmets, on the reliefs of Tiglapilaser III and Sennacherib. -
Large Medieval Iron Axehead
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
A substantial hand-forged iron axe with D-section socket and broad offset blade, fixed with three nails to the iron handle. 2.3 kg, 33.5 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The axe corresponds to the type XII of the Glosek classification. The type is known from Poland and Sweden. However, very often these axes were found without context, and generally classified as 15th century A.D. While the axes from Sweden are regarded as weapons, and dated 14th century A.D., the long and thickened back of the axe is rather characteristic of a butcher's axe, or of an executioner's axe.
