9th-11th century AD. An iron axehead with curved edge to the blade, angled facetted socket, hammer-face to the reverse, panels of incised hatching to the blade. Cf. a similar type in Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14 (7); Kirpicnikov, A.N., Drevnerusskoe Oruzie, II, Moscow-Leningrad, 1966, pl.XI, no.6, from Lukoml (Belarus"). 410 grams, 18.5cm (7 1/4"). Property of a London gallery; previously from a private British collection; formerly acquired from a European gentleman; acquired in the 1990s and earlier. The axe belongs to the category of T-shaped axes, of Eastern Slavic origin. The Norse word taparöx probably comes from Topor, the Slavic word for axe. These narrow-bladed axes of Slavic origin are described in the sources as being light. They could weigh as little as 200-250 grams and were suitable for single-handled use.

Fair condition, cleaned and conserved.