Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1459
Cased Medieval to Tudor 'Published' Iron Crossbow Bolt Collection
12TH-16H CENTURY A.D.
12 3/4 x 8 7/8 x 2 in. (1.24 kg total, 32.5 x 22.5 x 5 cm).
Comprising: 14 crossbow bolts with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, and a tubular socket. [14, No Reserve]
Provenance
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
Literature
Cf. Bailey, G., Finds identified, Witham, 2000, fig.19, p.86, for similar.
Footnotes
The crossbow, a bow fixed at its centre to a wooden stock, was a formidable weapon reintroduced in Western Europe in 11th century A.D.; it was used by the Genoese crossbowmen, mainly in French service, during the 100 Years War; its heavy bolt could easily penetrate a shield or armour breast plate at close range.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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 1459
Cased Medieval to Tudor 'Published' Iron Crossbow Bolt Collection
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
RELATED LOTS
-
Scythian Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 7th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Each with a slender, lozenge-shaped blade and a socket extending near the tip, base of the socket with a side lug. 130 grams total, 37-57 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
In Greek warfare archery was mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans for the longer-ranks. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Two with a sturdy square-section tang, narrow barbed head with midrib; the others with triangular or foliate blades; each with a raised midrib and a short tang. 212 grams total, 10.1-16.2 cm
Ex London collection, formed 1990-2000.
Although some of them are different in shape, these arrowheads are apparently related types of a polythetic group. Two basic deltoid forms are represented: one has a sharp, flat blade, the ends of which extend to form wings or barbs, and a prominent midrib extending into a long tang that often has a stop; the blade shape varies from deltoid to more manifestly triangular. The other form has no barbs, but it has a prominent midrib extending to the tang, and a narrow leaf-shaped blade. -
Luristan Bronze Spike-Butted Axehead
11th-8th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Blade with folded upper and lower edge, cylindrical socket with projecting ribs formed as the necks and heads of birds, blace 'projecting' from the mouth of a roaring lion at the neck. 478 grams, 22.5 cm
Ex Parisian private collection. with Cuvreau Expertises Enchères S.A., sale 60, 21 June 2009, lot 105. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11876-206787.