Viking Age Broad Axehead. Late 10th-early 11th century A.D. An iron axehead with rectangular spurs above and below the curved socket, medium-broad flaring triangular-section blade extending to a curved edge, hammer extension to the rear. Cf. Williams, G., Pentz, P. & Wemhoff, M., Vikings Life and Legend, London, 2014, item 25, p.90, a similar axe from a male burial in Hellvi (Gotland, grave 222B). 245 grams, 13.6 cm (5 3/8 in.) Private collection, York, UK, 1990s. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. The first specialised battle-axes which appeared in the second half of the 10th century A.D. were light, narrow, usually thinly forged but with broad-edged blades, sometimes decorated with precious metals. [No Reserve]

Fair condition.