Loading, please wait...
LOT 1070
British Leather Fencing Helmet
CIRCA 1890-1920S A.D.
15 3/8 in. (2.0 kg, 39 cm).
By Lillywhite Frowd Co of London, fitted with neck fringe, stamped buckled securing strap and wire mesh face and ear panels, padded lining internally marked 'broad arrow-over-67' so likely a military issue.
ProvenanceAcquired from Manfred Schotten Antiques, 2016.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of Manfred Schotten invoice and listing.
Although masks/helmets of this general form are typically associated with sword fencing, this example is of very heavy construction so possibly for use in protecting while training with a heavier weapon than a foil or epee.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1070
British Leather Fencing Helmet
Estimate £250 - 350€290 - 410 (for guidance only)$340 - 470 (for guidance only)
-
Large Viking Iron Socketted Spearhead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising a leaf-shaped blade with lozenge cross-section, raised midrib, closed tubular socket; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 1.76 kg total, 43.5 cm including stand
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The spear belongs to the type A of the first main group of Viking spears, the so-called Frankish spearheads, which occur between 750 and 950 A.D., but mainly in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Mediterranean influence is still evident on the foliate shape of the blade. -
Neo-Assyrian Bronze Military Helmet
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
With lateral seams, attachment holes to lower edge, bowl with tall conical peak; mounted on a custom-made stand. 3.5 kg total, 55.5 cm high including stand
Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, 1980s. Ex central London gallery. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. 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 number no.11765-203977.
From the reign of King Tiglatpilesar III (744-727 B.C.) or possibly later. The army of the Neo-Assyrian Empire consisted of large units of cavalry and skilled archers. Mobile workshops and smiths produced vast quantities of arrows and spears that were required while on campaign. The royal palaces of Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud were adorned with reliefs depicting Neo-Assyrian troops including foot soldiers in similar pointed bronze helmets. The helmet was originally bimetallic, made of bronze and iron. Although the iron section is now preserved only in fragments, having deteriorated long ago; the bronze half remains. -
Roman Limestone Ballista Catapult Shot
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Suitable for use with an onager or other catapult-type siege weapon; with roughened, abrasive surface. 1.5 kg, 97 mm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The operation of the onager (Latin for 'wild ass') is first mentioned in 353 A.D. by Ammianus Marcellinus in his Res Gestae and more fully in Vegetius's Epitoma Rei Militaris probably written in the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (378-395 A.D.).
