Medieval Baltic Socketted Spearhead. 12th-13th century A.D. A massive iron spearhead with lentoid-section lanceolate blade, medium neck and tapering circular socket with forge-welded split, double hole for attachment pin. Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIII, item 11, for similar. 382 grams, 35 cm (13 3/4 in.) Property of a London businessman, from his grandfather's collection formed after World War II; thence by descent 1972. A lot is known about Lithuanian and Baltic weaponry from the time of their struggle against the Germans and Teutonic Knights; the pagan dead were often cremated along with damaged or ceremonially sacrificed weaponry. If the swords were generally reserved for the military elite, the side axes and spears were the most commonly used weapon by the lower ranking soldiers. [No Reserve]

Very fine condition, professionally cleaned, conserved and restored.