Viking Seax Knife Value Guide

Sold at Auction: Viking Iron Seax Knife
Estimated Value
$150 – $165
Period
800-1100
Origin
Norway
Materials
Iron
Category
Seax knife

The Viking Seax was the quintessential iron utility and combat blade of the Germanic peoples, so culturally significant that it likely gave the Saxons their name. This Norwegian specimen from 800-1100 AD features the iconic 'broken back' profile, representing a versatile tool used for both daily camp tasks and lethal close-quarters combat.

What Is Viking Seax Knife Worth?

The typical price range for Viking Seax Knife is $150 - $165 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Overall preservation of the iron blade and the presence of a defined 'broken back' silhouette.
  • Historical provenance linking the piece specifically to the 800-1100 AD period in Norway.
  • Structural integrity of the tang and the absence of modern restorative welding.
  • Market demand for authentic Migration Period weaponry within the $150-$165 price range.

How to Identify Viking Seax Knife?

  • Look for the distinct 'broken back' profile where the spine angles sharply toward the point.
  • Verify the single-edged iron construction typical of 9th to 12th-century Scandinavian craftsmanship.
  • Examine the tang for a tapered shape designed to fit into a wood or bone handle.
  • Check for authentic oxidation and mineralization consistent with iron artifacts from the Viking Age.

History of Viking Seax Knife

The seax was the quintessential blade of the Germanic peoples during the Migration Period and the Early Middle Ages. These knives were used for everything from daily camp tasks to close-quarters combat. The name of the Saxons is actually believed to be derived from 'seax', as the blade was so central to their cultural identity. This specimen features the classic 'broken back' profile typical of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian finds.

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