**First Time At Auction**

Northern Europe, Viking/Norse culture, ca. 1000 CE. A heavy, socketed iron battle axe that is almost certainly made of bog iron, iron that forms naturally in bogs after being washed by streams from nearby mountains. This was the primary source of iron for the Vikings, and some scholars have even argued that the need for more iron from bogs drove Viking expansion. Iron arms and armor in the Viking world were treasured objects that were frequently passed down from generation to generation; this axe may have been used for a hundred years or more before being buried with or deposited by its final owner. Size: 7.2" W x 2.75" H (18.3 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: ex-private United Kingdom collection

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#136932

Nicely preserved form with an interesting iron patina surface. Remains of wood still in the socket.