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LOT 1041
Viking Rus Period Bearded Type Axehead
CIRCA 11TH CENTURY A.D.
7 1/2 in. (746 grams, 19 cm).
An iron axehead with sturdy neck and slightly curved triangular blade; socket with lateral flanges and long rectangular extension to the rear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. Kirpichnikov, A.N., Drevnerusskoe Oruzie (Ancient Russian Weapons), II, Moscow-Leningrad, 1966, in Arkheologia SSSR, vol. E1-36, especially axe no.2, from (pl.XVIII) from Zauzhelie; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate V, item 23.
FootnotesThe axe seems to be a variation of type III of the Kirpichnikov classification of the Eastern Rus Axes typology - battle axes with downwards blade, two pairs of side wings and an elongated cut-out butt. Paulsen called the related type "Varangian group" of North Baltic axes.
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Khandjar Type Dagger
19th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A very large iron dagger, curved with a thick double edge blade, handle composed of wood and iron, ornately decorated with lozenges, fastened by eight iron flat-headed rivets. 118 grams, 32 cm long
Fine condition.
Private family collection formed in London, mid 1980s to early 1990s.
Among the various Arab dagger groups, the one from North Africa is characterised by rather fine blades made in the Turkish-Persian style. Usually the handles (in wood, ivory and metal) feature a large rounded pommel in the guise of peacock feathers. This type is common in Morocco, Tunisia and all the way to Egypt, and is a type of Khandjar usually called Koummiya or Goummiya (a term later adopted in Spanish as Goumia, to indicate all the short Arab daggers). -
Sassanian Spangenhelm with Rivets
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
A copper-alloy multi-segmented spangenhelm with an ogival profile, rivetted conical finial and riveted straps running vertically around the circumference, some restoration. 1.14 kg, 23 cm high
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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 searcher certificate no.11589-199700.
The Spangenhelm is a protective headgear made up from segments or plates held together by a frame. As a popular form of helmet it came to prominence in western Europe in the later Roman Empire, and remained in use for some centuries until replaced by helmets formed from a single sheet. -
Greek Arrowhead Group
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
A group of bronze socketted arrowheads of various types, including lozenge-shaped examples, spurred types and examples with triangular cross-sections. 68.3 grams total, 24-45 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
