Viking axe with christian cross? Pictures.

[Lee]

I would be pleased to have such provenance on more of my own collection, such as it is.

I wonder if the pristine areas reflect so-called glodeskall?

Glodeskall refers to a compound of iron and oxygen (Fe.O.) created when an iron object is subjected to intense heat. Glodeskall
forms a shell ( skal ) or skin around the object and, as long as it is intact, provides some protection against corrosion.
However, it often has minute cracks, which may permit corrosion to quickly attack the object behind the shell.

From Swords of the Viking Age