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LOT 1393
Viking Period Iron Broad Baltic Axe-Hammer
CIRCA 12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
7 1/4 in. (349 grams, 18.5 cm).
Comprising a flat socket with lateral spurs, slender neck developing to a broad blade with curved edge, chin to the lower edge and point to the upper, rear square-section shank with disc hammer-face. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIV, item 21.
FootnotesDuring the mid 13th century, the axes were favourite weapons among the Baltic people. For example, the Curonian army included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield and a wide-bladed axe.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1393
Viking Period Iron Broad Baltic Axe-Hammer
Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
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Bronze Age Spearhead
11th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Of 'pegged leaf-shaped' type with tapering socket and gusseted midrib, rounded shoulders to the blade, narrow point, two opposed holes for the insertion of attachment rivets. 76 grams, 13.5 cm
Acquired in Germany in 2000. Acquired by the present owner from the above. -
Saxon and Roman Iron Military Spur Display
Circa 2nd-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising a Roman U-shaped spur with lateral lugs and prick spur; an Anglo-Saxon iron spur with barley twist body and small terminals. 254 grams total, 82-83 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The Romans employed a light spur (calcar) made of bronze or iron, U-shaped and barely covering the heel. To the rear of the spur was a small point, and this form continued to be in use through the early Medieval period. The Saxon spurs were very similar to the Roman examples, although slightly larger and with a more spiked point. -
Luristan Bronze Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With a short blade flaring towards the cutting edge, rounded projection to the butt, rolled ridge around the shaft hole. 192 grams, 75 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
The type corresponds to the Gernez type H.2.Fa, of axes with symmetrical collar, rear hump and rectangular blade. The exact provenance of only three axes of this type outside Luristan are known, mainly in Elam: one was found at Tepe Giyan, a second comes from a pit tomb in Susa and the last, a miniature, belongs to level VI of Tepe Gawra, dated to the last third of the 3rd millennium B.C. All the others are known as originating from Luristan.
