Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Byzantine Iron Horse Bit")
_200x200.jpg "Byzantine Iron Horse Bit")
.jpg "Byzantine Iron Horse Bit")
LOT 1060
Byzantine Iron Horse Bit
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
7 3/4 in. (340 grams, 19.5 cm).
Composed of arched openwork shanks with looped terminals; one end fitted with large hoops and bar between; one end with a tripartite mouthpiece comprising two collared bars connected by a central hoop; Byzantine or early Ottoman.
ProvenanceCollection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s.
From an important private Dutch collection.
See Витлянов, С., Старобългарското въоъжение (The Old Bulgarian Armament), София, 1996, fig.1, pl.XXIV, and fig.5, for an identical example.
FootnotesThis type of horse bit is visible on one of the most important equestrian artworks of the 15th century - the Cappella dei Magi by Benozzo Gozzoli, a painting representing the Three Kings visiting Christ, depicted in costumes belonging to the early quarter of the 15th century. All the cavalrymen in the artwork had heavy curb-bits (with short and curved shanks, as in our specimen) and heavy, single reins.
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 1060
Byzantine Iron Horse Bit
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
-
Viking Age Iron Socketted Spearhead
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Type N leaf-shaped slender blade, with flattened transition area between blade and socket, continuing far up onto the blade. 255 grams, 39 cm
Ex private collection of Mr M.B., Mainz, Germany, since the 1980s. Acquired from the above, 2004.
The spearheads of type N were a minor group in the Viking spearheads, found throughout the whole of the 10th century A.D. They make up circa 10% of the Viking Age spears. -
Greek Fragmentary Bronze Pilos Helmet
5th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,015
Conical in shape, comprising a thick hammered bowl and broad rim with carination to the upper edge; remains of crest at brow and rear; a restoration project. 951 grams total, 1-24.5 cm
Ex Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Germany [1944-2001]. with Hermann Historica, 13 October 2010, lot 2169 [Part].
This type of helmet (called ‘bell-helmet’ by Connolly, 1981, p.70), named pilos after the Greek felt cap (in the Laconian shape, but distinguished from the cap by the noticeable point and the shape of the rim), had a conical shape and was pointed or rounded at the top. Its introduction was linked with the streamlining of Hoplite equipment, and it soon the replaced the closed Corinthian helmet. The helmet was widespread in the Greek and Mediterranean world from the last quarter of the 5th century B.C. and was widely used by continental Greeks, South Italian Greeks and Italic people, Etruscans, and even Romans. -
Luristan Bronze Short Sword
10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
With triangular blade in outline and prominent mid-rib divided in three sections; square shoulders with rectangular guard; rectangular grip with openings for inlays on either side. 367 grams, 45 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This bronze sword has the handle cast onto the blade. The grip is flanged for accepting inlays. The blade has square shoulders and is decorated with geometric triangles. According to Moorey this type dates to the turn of 2nd millennium B.C.
