Central European Leaded-Bronze Socket Axe Head

Central to Northern Europe, Celtic culture, Late Bronze Age, ca. 800 to 500 BCE. A socket axe head cast from leaded bronze with a flared cutting edge. The head has an ovoid opening for a handle, and the opening reveals the interior of the blade is entirely hollow. The hollow socket was a technological innovation, allowing economical use of bronze while still making a strong weapon. A fastening loop is set at the top for securing the blade onto the handle. Weapons like this one were signs of prestige, often buried with their owners in mounded tombs, demonstrating their wealth and fighting prowess even beyond the grave. Size: 3.75" L x 1.5" W (9.5 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#158934
Condition Report: Surface has been cleaned and polished. Nicks to edges. Interior contains green patina and mineral deposits. Chips around socket, but intact!