Loading, please wait...
Details
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]
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(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.
Footnotes
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
London Proofed Percussion Revolver
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
A double action nickel plated 5-shot percussion revolver with numbered chambers, the chambers and barrel bearing London proof marks and the barrel numbered 2; the frame with foliate engraving and fitted with chequered wood grip scales with hinged steel loading lever; action in working order. 480 grams, 18 cm
Acquired Peter Wilson Auction, 2020, lot 10. 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. -
Babylonian Duck-Billed Axehead
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
A bronze duck-billed axehead with a curved, beak-shaped blade, with two pierced eyes and a raised ridge down the centre. 170 grams, 10 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Paris Gallery.
This axe corresponds to the type H4B of the Gernez classification. Several of these models, with their moulds, are known from the Levant, like those in Byblos, Ras Shamra, and Tell Arqa. On the other hand, a workshop level II of the Kültepe karum delivered two moulds, showing a local production of arms intended either for export or for the inhabitants originating from Mesopotamia or the Levant. This sub-type of eye-axes is characteristic of the Middle Bronze Age 1 (2050-1750 B.C.). -
French Gras Model 1874 Rifle Bayonet
Dated 1878 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £49
A Gras bayonet with T-shaped tapering 'epee' blade fitted with steel perforated quillon, rivetted wood grip scales and brass pommel slotted to fit the rifle barrel key; various punchmarks and numbered '54506' to quillon, the back of the blade inscribed 'Mme d'Arennes de Chatrs Avril 1878' in script. 573 grams,64.5 cm
Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.
