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LOT 0237
Assyrian Bronze Relief Fragment
CIRCA 9TH CENTURY B.C.
4 1/4 - 4 3/8 in. (72 grams, 10.8 cm wide (277 grams total, 11 cm high including stand)).
Displaying a corrugated rim above and below; two advancing soldiers, each striding forwards over the headless body of a dead enemy, carrying a severed head in each hand; the soldiers shown bearded and each wearing a pointed and segmented helmet with a recess to accommodate the ears, a cuirass and thigh-length tunic, with a bow over one shoulder and a sword slung from a waist belt; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceEx S. Moussieff collection, London, UK.
Acquired from C.J. Martin (Coins) Ltd.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.203209.
Battle-scenes - and especially images where the Assyrians overrun their enemies and achieve outright victory - appear to make up a large part of 'official' art of the period. Subjecting a defeated foe to torture and death is the theme of much of the wall-decoration of the palace of Nineveh. A battle-scene depicting the siege of a walled city shows similarly equipped infantrymen; it is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession no.55.121.4a, b.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Greek Browband from Bronze Pseudo-Attic Helmet
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Semi-circular in shape, flat, the upper part raised, the lower one fitted with two fastening holes for the attachment to the upper bowl of the helmet; restored. 42 grams, 20.6 cm
Restored.
Private collection before 1937. Private collection, acquired February 1937, thence by descent. T.S. collection, UK, 1963.
The browband comes from a pseudo-Attic helmet of Thracian type (example from Brjastovec) or of a pseudo-Attic type with a high cap and fitted with a browband. These helmets, after prototypes already visible in the 5th century B.C., are typical of the Hellenistic era. The browband, if not fixed, was attached under the helmet's bowl, on the sides, by two rivets. -
Saw-Butted Percussion Pistol
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With wood butt and silvered butt cap, sideplate, fore-end and trigger guard, fitted with steel ramrod and an octagonal lined sighted barrel with foliate engraved percussion lock signed 'HENRY CLARKE' (lacking hammer retaining screw). 1.1 kg, 35.5 cm
Property of a Luton, UK gentleman, by inheritance.
The Clarkes were a Midlands, UK gunsmithing family. Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent. -
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Roman Bronze Armour Double Fastening Hooks
Circa 1st century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Each a scrolled bar formed as a serpent or other animal with stylised geometric detailing; attachment perforations to both terminals. 19.6 grams total, 64-66 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
In the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D., the Celtic fastening system of the ring mail armour (gallica, lorica ferro aspera) became the standard in the Imperial Roman army, with a pivot attached to the breast and hinged to the edges of the humeralia (shoulder guards). The chest fastener had various different designs. The double hooks, S-shaped and usually with snake-head terminals, were secured by a central rivet on the chest. The system allowed excellent freedom of movement, giving greater protection to the shoulders and the arms. Similar fasteners for infantry mail have been found on the Kalkriese battlefield, some of them also decorated with niello and inscribed with the name of the soldier.
