Viking Age Bearded Axehead. 9th-11th century A.D. A hand-forged iron skeggöx (bearded axe) with asymmetrical triangular section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, curved edge, flared wings to the scooped socket and dorsal bar, circular hole to the blade. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14, item 3; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, table V, items 16, 17, 20. 901 grams, 22 cm (8 3/4 in.) Property of a London businessman, from his grandfather's collection formed after World War II; thence by descent 1972. Iron axeheads of this typology show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade, often perforated through the centre. They are characterised by two projections spurs from the top and the bottom of the back of the shaft-hole. [No Reserve]

Very fine condition, professionally cleaned, conserved and restored.