12th century AD. A hand-forged iron axehead with triangular-section blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, socket with lateral flanges; triangular hole to the blade. See Nicolle, D., Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era, 1050-1350 AD, volume I, London, 1999, fig.908. 576 grams, 16.2cm (6 1/2"). Property of a London gallery; previously from a private British collection; formerly acquired from a European gentleman; acquired in the 1990s and earlier. The form of this axe suggests a possible Western Slavic origin, showing a different tradition from the so-called Danish axe, since its blade is thrust out from the haft on a sort of extended arm. As such, it has similarities with the war-axes of nomadic steppe people, from which it ultimately derived. Condition Report Fair condition, cleaned and conserved.