900-1100 AD. Viking Age. Iron battle axe with elongated, curved blade, tapering cheek, reinforced poll and rectangular flanges for attachment to the handle. A circular perforation in the cheek would have allowed for the suspension of the weapon when it was not in use. The bearded axe, or Skeggøx (from Old Norse Skegg, "beard", and øx, "axe") was common from the 6th century AD onwards in Scandinavia, but made most famous by the Vikings, who used these axes in battle to terrible effect. Bearded axes are named for the fact that the main part of the axe blade extends below the butt of the axe, creating a large cutting blade and allowing a fighter to hook onto the shields or weapons of his (or her) opponents. Excellent condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:115mm / W:140mm ; 480g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.