10th-11th century AD. An Eastern European iron axe with an elongated blade with vertical symmetry, round socket with triangular flanges, rectangular extension to the rear. See a similar axe in D'Amato, R., The Varangian Guard 988-1453, Oxford, 2010, p.7, from the Drastar Battlefield; Vagalinski, L. Tsar Samuil (+1014), in battle for Bulgaria, Sofia, 2014, p.175, no.75, from Neykovo, Sliven district. 371 grams, 22.5cm (8 3/4"). Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher; previously in a Dorset, UK, collection since the 1990s. The axe is similar to other specimens found in Bulgaria, which are possibly related to the presence of Viking Rus mercenaries in the Balkan military contexts of 10th-11th centuries. The specimen found on the Drastar battlefield shows inlaid decorative patterning. [No Reserve] Condition Report Fine condition, cleaned and conserved.