Circa 900 - 1100 AD. A hand-forged iron axe head with substantial curved blade with cut-out openwork section with a cross and elliptical shaft-hole. The axe is special in its unique design; the blade is openwork, and from the back of the edge-section is seen a little cross. The owner might have had a connection to the first clerical circles in Denmark, eventually as a protector or a life guard. For similar see Silkeborge Museum, Denmark. For similar see National Museum of Denmark. Size: L:142mm / W:103mm ; 451g. Provenance: UK art market, acquired prior to 1980s; property of a London gentleman.