8th-9th century AD. A short iron spearhead with lentoid-section lanceolate blade, short neck and tapering circular socket with forge-welded split, single hole for attachment pin; remains of wood inside the shaft. See Hjardar, K. and Vike, V., Vikings at war, Oxford-Philadelphia, 2016, pp.175 and 178, type A spear. 189 grams, 25cm (10"). Property of a London gallery; previously from a private British collection; formerly acquired from a European gentleman; acquired in the 1990s and earlier. The spear belongs to the type A of the first main group of Viking swords, the so-called Frankish spearheads, which occur between 750 and 950 AD, but mainly in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Mediterranean influence is still evident on the foliate shape of the blade. Condition Report Fair condition, cleaned and conserved.