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LOT 1155
Byzantine Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Trivoloi Group
11TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (34 grams total, 50 mm each).
Comprising three caltrops, hand-forged with square-section in the form of four welded arrowheads. [3]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market around 2000.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Tsurtsumia, M., 'Tribolos, a Byzantine Landmine' in Byzantion, 2012, pp.413-422, fig.1, for identical specimen.
FootnotesCaltrops were a kind of 'landmine' of the ancient world an mentioned in the Classical period. Nevertheless, they turned into real military weapons only in Dark Ages. Their systematic and wide use by the Eastern Romans, who called it tribolos, is noticeable. In 1082, Emperor Alexios Komnenos used caltrops against the Norman cavalry in the Balkans. Anna Komnena tells us in detail of her father’s intentions: ‘He marched against Bohemond with a new idea for victory. He had iron caltrops made and since he expected the battle to take place on the next day, the evening before scattered them over the plain between the two armies at the point where he guessed that the Kelts (the Normans) would make a heavy cavalry attack. The plan was to frustrate the first and irresistible charge when the caltrops pierced the horses’ hooves.’ Unfortunately for the Romans the Normans avoided battle on the ‘minefield’, outflanked the enemy and gained victory.
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AUCTIONS:
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Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Featuring wedge-shaped cheeks, oval socket and narrow butt. 922 grams, 21 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Mongol Silver Belt Mount Group
13th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £89
Each with a broader scooped edge tapering to a volute flourish, pellets adorning the perimeter, three medial circular dimples, fourth dimple to the scrolled end, against a field of foliate scrolls and niello fill; each with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 25.7 grams total, 40-41 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
Similar plaques have been found in the burial graves of Mongol commanders and their wives, probably once part of a waist belt from which the sabre and other weapons were hanging. They were found together with arms, unique elements of the costume of fabric and leather, and splendid jewellery of gold and silver. -
Cased 1st Model Tranter 36 Bore Revolver Pair
1853-1854 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,500
With 19.5cm (8¾") octagonal rifled barrels of 36 bore (marked to front of frame), solid Adams patent frames with foliate engraving marked 'ADAMS PATENT ' and serial numbers 20,368Y and 20,832Y with plain loading lever pins to left side, Tranter double trigger (providing single and double action), London proof marks to 5-shot cylinders and barrels, blued finish; in wood case with two hook latches and lock (no key) with accessories including loading lever (stamped 'TRANTERS PATENT 36), wood cleaning rod with extractor screw and two brass cleaning tips), wood handled turnscrew and nipple key, pewter oil bottle, steel wad cutter (marked CAST STEEL), brass-handled double bullet mould (stamped 'TRANTERS PATENT 36); Dixon powder flask, tin of Eley's Superior caps, tin of Tranter's Lubricating Composition, turned bone container with four spare nipples and three pre-made bullets with felt wads. 5.10 kg total, case 43 x 24 cm
Acquired Brighton dealer, 2020. Property of a Kent collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.204131.
The Tranter revolvers based on the Adams solid frame were numbered from 20,000 and have the Y suffix. 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.
