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LOT 1399
Chinese Serpentine and Gilt Bronze Ceremonial Axe
QING DYNASTY, 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.
9 1/4 in. (513 grams, 23.5 cm).
Comprising a serpentine pelta-shaped blade with taotie motif, bronze socket formed as a stylised fish with a lizard on its back, open mouth to accept the staff; in archaic style. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired UK, in the 1980s.
Property of a retired South West London doctor
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1399
Chinese Serpentine and Gilt Bronze Ceremonial Axe
Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
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Medieval Iron Stirrup and Horse Bit
14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising: a snaffle bit with single bar and an iron stirrup in a form of elongated D, with an oval-shaped loop at the top, wide openwork footrest slightly curved forward, with decoration at the sides. 467 grams total, 18.5-26 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
Snaffle bits have not altered very much in their design over the centuries. Medieval snaffle bits have survived in reasonable numbers, although they are still rare. A number of different designs are known for them. Some had a plain straight bar serving as the mouth piece, like our example. The 15th-16th century stirrup shows an interesting decoration at the sides of the footrest. -
Medieval Bronze Sword Pommel
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Hollow-formed spherical pommel with rectangular slot to the underside to accept the tang, and smaller slot above to accommodate the piebed end; segmented outer face with alternating plain and pointillé surfaces. 119 grams, 39 mm
Found Suffolk, UK. -
Viking Age and Later Iron Axehead Group
10th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Mainly comprising socketted axeheads and adzes, together with other items; including at least one stamped with maker's marks. 9.5 kg total, 14.5-28.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
An axe similar to those of our group was found in the fortified camp of Péran, in Brittany, among the objects that emerged from a conflagration due to the attack of Alain Barbetorte's Bretons on a Viking camp, in 936 A.D. These axes were certainly work tools, although in case of necessity they could also serve as improvised weapons.
