Original Item: One of a Kind. A bearded axe, or Skeggøx (from Old Norse Skegg, "beard", and øx, "axe") refers to various axes, used as a tool and weapon, as early as the 6th century AD. It is most commonly associated with Viking Age Scandinavians. The hook or "beard", i. e. the lower portion of the axe bit extending the cutting edge below the width of the butt, provides a wide cutting surface while keeping the overall weight of the axe low. The "beard" of the axe would also have been useful in battle, for example to pull a weapon or shield out of a defender's grasp.

This is a wonderful example of a 9th-10th Century Bearded Battle Axe head, intended for a heavy two handed Axe, recently excavated from a site in the Ukraine. In design it almost exactly matches an example found on the Island of Gotland. As expected, it shows quite a bit of rust damage, however the original quality can still be seen. It has the classic profile, with inlets around the socket / eye for securing the axe to the haft. It measures approximately 8 inches in length, with a 6 inch long edge.

It comes complete with a very nice wooden display stand, which has a brass plaque reading:

A wonderful display piece, ready to add to your collection!