LOT 1456

Cased Roman to Medieval Arrow Teaching Aid Collection

1ST CENTURY A.D.-15TH CENTURY A.D.

41 x 8 5/8 x 3 3/4 in. (3.83 kg total, 104 x 22 x 9.5 cm including case).

Comprising: a Roman ballista bolt with a pyramidal head; a 15th century iron swallowtail arrowhead; three iron medieval crossbow bolts, with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, tubular socket; two medieval ballista bolts with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, tubular socket; two triangular-shaped arrowheads, with pyramidal head; a triangular Eastern Roman bladed arrowhead with a slightly raised mid-rib; a small Anglo-Saxon arrowhead with lozenge form blade and round socket; all mounted on reconstructed modern shafts with their feathered directional lugs, and presented in a wooden display box. [No Reserve]

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Mills, N., Medieval Artefacts Witham, 2003, pp.90-91, for two (nos.NM241a; NM242;).

Cf. Mills, N., Medieval Artefacts, Witham, 2003, pp.90-91, nos.243, for similar swallowtail arrowhead.

Crossbow and bows were the protagonist of the 100 Years War between France and England. The crossbow, a bow fixed at its centre to a wooden stock, was a formidable weapon used by the Genoese crossbowmen, mainly in French service; its heavy bolt could easily penetrate a shield or armour breast plate at close range. The longbow, mainly used by the Welsh archers, was able to pierce armours at greater distance. During the reign of Edward III, the long bow distance was estimated to be 400 yards. The capability of the English and Welsh archers enabled the English to secure a victory over the powerful French Cavalry at the battles of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt.