9th-11th century AD. An iron axe-hammer comprising pyramidal spiked flanges, thin blade with curved edge, square-section shank to the rear with hammer face. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14 (644"). 340 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). Property of a London gallery; previously from a private British collection; formerly acquired from a European gentleman; acquired in the 1990s and earlier. Slavic battleaxes came into use in Scandinavia, especially in the Western part of Sweden, Gotland and Denmark. This is a T-shaped axe of a narrow-bladed type. Condition Report Fair condition, cleaned and conserved.