9th-11th century AD. A Finno-Ugrian or Baltic hand-forged iron axehead with scooped socket, broad blade with extension to the lower edge, hole to the blade, possibly of Baltic workmanship. Cf. for similar axes Nicolle, D., 'Raiders of the Ice War' in Military Illustrated, March, 1996, no.94, pp.26-29, fig.p.28; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.V, items 20, 23. 699 grams, 16.5cm (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. A lot is known about Lithuanian and Baltic weaponry; during their struggles against Germans and Teutonic Knights, deceased pagans were often cremated along with damaged or ceremonially sacrificed weaponry. If swords were generally reserved for the military elite, the side axe was one of the most commonly used weapons. Condition Report Fair condition, cleaned and conserved.