10th-11th century AD. An iron broad axehead of asymmetrical profile with broad flaring triangular-section blade extending to a curved edge, socket with lateral flanges and hammer extension to the rear. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14, nos.2,5.; see also the River Thames find in Williams, G., Pentz, P. & Wemhoff, M. Vikings Life and Legend, London, 2014, item 58; Hjardar K. and Vike, V., Vikings at war, Oxford-Philadelphia, 2016, p.162, for a similar specimen from Troms, dated 1000-1050 AD. 261 grams, 17cm (6 3/4"). Property of a London binessman, from his grandfather's collection formed after World War II; thence by descent 1972. The broad axe of type M is a weapon specifically designed as battle-axe with the edge, being Þunssleginn, i.e. thinly forged, down towards a thickness of 2.5mm. These broad axes were the prerogative of the hoecarls of the Anglo-Danish King Canute, of the guardsmen fighting around Harold at Stamford Bridge and Hastings in 1066 AD and of the famo Varangian Guard of the Roman emperors of Constantinople. [No Reserve]