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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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