Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 800 to 1100 CE. A hefty forged-iron axe head of utilitarian form with a tall blade head, a thick neck meant to withstand countless strikes against wood or shapeable materials, and a dense socketing shaft through which a wooden pole would be inserted. Axes like this example may appear well-suited for hand-to-hand combat or for throwing into a field of incoming adversaries; however, the petite size and simplicity of the design suggests that this example was used for more utilitarian purposes. A wonderful heavy age patina has developed over the centuries. Size: 6.8" L x 1.75" W x 3.7" H (17.3 cm x 4.4 cm x 9.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Sedona, Arizona, USA collection; ex-private German collection, acquired on the European art market

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170188

Minor nicks and abrasions, otherwise intact and very good. Nice lustrous surfaces. Entire tool has been covered in a black stabilization material to mitigate future oxidation.