9th-10th century AD. A substantial hand-forged iron spearhead comprising a narrow leaf-shaped blade, lozengiform in section and with stepped ridges to both faces, thick neck developing to an octagonal-section tapering socket with square attachment slot. Cf. Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, plate 8(4"). 732 grams, 37cm (14 1/2"). From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.