VIKING IRON AXE HEAD WITH LONG BLADE

Ca. AD 800 - 1100 A Viking iron bearded axe head with an elongated, heavy sharp blade and a socket reinforced to accommodate the hardwood pole. The prevailing notion was that the sword was the most commonly utilized weapon in antiquity is mistaken; in reality, it was the battle axe that held this esteemed position. This weapon offered significant advantages over the more celebrated sword. Firstly, crafting an axe was a simpler task, and it proved to be far more durable during confrontations, as it was less susceptible to breakage upon impact. Additionally, the strikes delivered with this weapon were remarkably forceful, owing to the weight of the axe itself in comparison to the sword. Finally, the axe served a practical dual purpose, being adept at both chopping and splitting wood, activities of utmost importance in the daily lives of ancient societies.
Size: 180mm x 70mm; Weight: 590g
Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old Canadian collection of F. N., Ontario, formed in the 1980s.

200
Estimate: GBP 300 - 600