9th-10th century AD. An iron axehead, triangular in plan with D-shaped socket, square butt, scooped lower profile and curved edge. Cf. Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919, fig.32; Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14, no.1. 287 grams, 13cm (5"). Ex California, A, collection formed since the late 1960s. European art market before the late 1990s. The axe belongs to the type C of Petersen classification. They are axes of Eastern type, of narrow bearded type, characterised by an almostpletely round hole for the shaft, rather than the more triangular or drop shape we see on the western typologies. [No Reserve]