Ca. 900-1000 AD A hand-forged iron axe head with a substantial curved blade and elliptical shaft-hole. The profile is square at the lower edge, in the classic Skeggøx or 'bearded' profile used as both a weapon and as a grappling iron during naval battles. FMore information on Viking axes can be found in Petersen, Jan (1919). De Norske Vikingesverd. Kristiania. Size: L:178mm / W:157mm ; 595g Provenance: Property of a European collector; formerly in an old English collection.