Lot 557
Norse Viking Iron Battle Axe | Stylized Cross | Reinforced Blade
Norse Viking Iron Battle Axe | Stylized Cross | Reinforced Blade
Current Bid: $400
(1 Bid)
Eastern Steppes, Southern Europe, ca. 9th - 11th century CE. Hand-forged iron battle axe, having a wide flared blade, applied double thick reinforced blade attached with seven rivets along the inner edge, with both faces of the blade bearing a stylized cross element — a detail of considerable historical significance, reflecting the Christianization of Norse and Steppe warrior cultures during the later Viking Age. Rear of blade tapers to an open multi-pointed socket. A very nice example.
The presence of the cross on both faces marks this axe as belonging to the transitional period when Viking warriors increasingly adopted Christian symbolism while retaining their martial traditions. Such weapons bridge the pagan and Christian worlds, embodying the profound cultural transformation of the Viking Age at its close Size: 7” x 7.5” (17.8 x 19.1cm).
Provenance: Emily & Walter Mead Collection, Santa Fe, NM., active 1960’s - 1990’s. (Mead Paper Corporation family).
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
71459
- Condition: Overall excellent rusty-black surface patina. Intact.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |