Viking Rus Period Bearded Type Axehead
Circa 11th century A.D. An iron axehead with sturdy neck and slightly curved triangular blade; socket with lateral flanges and long rectangular extension to the rear. 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. 746 grams, 19 cm (7 1/2 in.). Acquired 1971-1972.From the collection of the vendor's father.Property of a London, UK, collector. The 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. [No Reserve]