Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. A beautiful and sizable axe head of a sturdy utilitarian form featuring a thick neck, a rounded hafting shaft, and a tall, sharp blade. The drooping profile of the blade is known as a skeggox ("bearded axe" in old Norse) since it resembled the beards of hearty Viking warriors. Axes like this were perhaps used in battle for hand-to-hand combat or boarding enemy naval vessels, though it was likely used for utilitarian purposes such as chopping and shaping wood and mud bricks. Size: 7.625" L x 1.625" W x 6.25" H (19.4 cm x 4.1 cm x 15.9 cm); 8.2" H (20.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private Europe collection found in Estonia

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#139136

Small area of restoration to joint where neck meets hafting shaft, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Minor nicks and abrasions to blade, neck, and hafting shaft, and chipping to surface iron commensurate with oxidation. Great patina throughout. Blade edge is still sharp.