ca. 1000–1200 AD. Viking Age. An iron bearded axe head with an elongated, curved blade, tapering cheek, circular socket, and flared poll. Bearded axes were common from the 6th century AD onwards in Scandinavia but made especially famous by the Vikings; in bearded axes, the main part of the blade extends below the butt of the axe creating a large cutting blade that allows fighters to hook onto the shields or weapons of their opponents. Custom-made stand included.Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman based in London; formerly in an old British collection; acquired in the 1980s.Size: L:110mm / W:160mm ; 420g