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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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AUCTIONS:
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Amlash Type Spearhead
13th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
A bronze tanged spearhead with heavily ridged and tapered blade with short collared shaft and square section tapered tang of recangular section. 436 grams, 40 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The weapon belongs to the type 1 of the spearhead classification by Khorasani, mainly from Marlik or Amlash areas. Similar pieces have been dated by Stutzinger to 1200-1100 B.C. -
Large Byzantine Silver Archer's Ring
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
A substantial silver archer's ring comprising a hoop with reserved triangular ornament on the edges and triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.61 grams, 34.77 mm overall, 25.16 mm internal diameter
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Archer rings in Late Byzantium and the medieval Balkans were connected with the employment of the powerful composite bow, but very often, in 14th century, they were rank symbol for aristocratic noblemen. Archaeological findings of archers’ rings originate mainly from fortified towns, including mining centres. Many were made in bone, simple in design and undecorated. In contrast, the ones made in bronze and silver were usually decorated in rather uniform style, consisting of floral motifs on the head, mostly tulip and foliage, and linear motifs around the edges. This decoration combined Turkish, Central European and Eastern Roman traditional patterns. -
Western Asiatic Tanged Leaf-Shaped Spearhead
Circa 21st-mid 15th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A large bronze tripartite spearhead with biconvex blade and flattened tang. 315 grams, 27.7 cm
Fine condition.
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980-2015.
The spearhead belongs to the subtype L2.B.d of the Gernez classification.
