Bronze Age Bronze Very rare socketed axe - Very rare ancient Bronze Age socketed axe - 7.8 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 180 - € 220
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A very rare Bronze Age socketed axe, named Zeer zeldzame kokerbijl, cast in bronze, dating ca. 1200–600 BC, measuring 7.8 × 2.9 × 2.2 cm and weighing 57.89 g, with a small eye, authentic and unrestored, acquired from a private collection via an auction house in the Netherlands.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This is a bronze socketed axe (or 'tüllenbeil'), a type of axe head commonly found in the Bronze Age.
Main features
Dimensions: (L x W x H) 7.8 x 2.9 x 2.2 cm
Weight: 57.89 grams
Condition: a hole present (see attached photos)
- (not restored / conserved)
- this lot originates from a private collection
Type: Socketed axes were the last and most efficient development of axes in the Bronze Age. They have a hollow socket into which the wooden handle was inserted, instead of the axe being mounted on a split haft.
Attachment: This specific specimen has a small loop (or 'ear') on the side. This allowed a restraining line or leather strap to be attached to prevent the axe from coming loose from the haft during use. The loop was either cast shut during the casting process or has become sealed shut by corrosion over the years.
Dating: These axes typically date from roughly 1200 to 600 BCE.
Material and condition: The object is made of cast bronze and shows a green patina, characteristic of centuries of contact with natural elements in the soil.
Shipping method: this lot will be shipped with excellent packaging via DHL or UPS using Catawiki's Smart Shipping.
This is a bronze socketed axe (or 'tüllenbeil'), a type of axe head commonly found in the Bronze Age.
Main features
Dimensions: (L x W x H) 7.8 x 2.9 x 2.2 cm
Weight: 57.89 grams
Condition: a hole present (see attached photos)
- (not restored / conserved)
- this lot originates from a private collection
Type: Socketed axes were the last and most efficient development of axes in the Bronze Age. They have a hollow socket into which the wooden handle was inserted, instead of the axe being mounted on a split haft.
Attachment: This specific specimen has a small loop (or 'ear') on the side. This allowed a restraining line or leather strap to be attached to prevent the axe from coming loose from the haft during use. The loop was either cast shut during the casting process or has become sealed shut by corrosion over the years.
Dating: These axes typically date from roughly 1200 to 600 BCE.
Material and condition: The object is made of cast bronze and shows a green patina, characteristic of centuries of contact with natural elements in the soil.
Shipping method: this lot will be shipped with excellent packaging via DHL or UPS using Catawiki's Smart Shipping.
Details
Culture
Bronze Age
Century/timeframe
1200 tot 600 v. Chr.
Name of object
Very rare socketed axe - Very rare ancient Bronze Age socketed axe
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
7.8 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1982
Width
2.9 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Depth
2.2 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
