c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. An iron bearded axe head with a heavy, curved blade, narrow cheek, reinforced poll and rounded socket. The cheek of the axe head is decorated with engraved dots and star motifs. 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. Further information on Viking axes in general can be found in Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala. Excellent condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:166mm / W:130mm ; 640g; Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.