Roman Iron Spear Tip & Viking Axe Head

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE; Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A compelling pairing of early European weaponry, each piece carrying the stark poetry of iron shaped for survival, authority, and battle. The Roman spear tip rises slender and confident, its leaf-shaped blade tapering to a precise point meant to pierce shields and armor with disciplined efficiency. Time has worked its slow alchemy across the surface, leaving a textured patina that speaks of centuries underground, yet the form remains unmistakably Roman - practical, balanced, and engineered for the organized fury of the imperial legions. The socketed base retains the quiet memory of the wooden shaft it once gripped, and even now the piece conveys the disciplined rhythm of the Roman battlefield. Beside it rests a Viking axe head, its silhouette broad and rugged, forged for the close, intimate violence of Norse combat. Size of larger (spear tip): 9.9" L x 1.8" W (25.1 cm x 4.6 cm)



The flaring blade, heavily pitted from age, retains its purposeful geometry, while the socket curves inward with a muscular, almost animal presence. This was a tool of both warfare and daily life, capable of felling trees or foes with equal determination. The iron bears the scars of centuries, yet the spirit of the smith's hammering still whispers through its asymmetry and weight. Viking axe heads like this were carried by farmers-turned-warriors, men who stepped into longships and legends with weapons as sturdy and unadorned as the northern landscapes they called home. Together, these artifacts trace a quiet line between two worlds: the disciplined might of Rome and the daring independence of the Viking age. Each carries the resonance of vanished hands, battles unfurled, and cultures shaped by the forging fire.



Provenance: private London, United Kingdom collection



All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.



A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.



We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.




SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)




PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.



#199106