Dutch Thumb Ring Sword

Comprising a narrow leaf-shaped blade with midrib and lateral channels, rounded shoulders, short tang with attachment hole. 445 grams, 45.5 cm



Ex German collection, Cologne, formed 1980s-1990. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

The metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in early Iran were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The function of the ridges here was not only decorative, however, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses which are the main sources of the Luristan and North-Western bronze weapons.

From the right side of the face mask, the upper edge with a band of embossed diagonal lines, probably intending to represent stylised hair, embossed spiral to the centre, a symbol clearly connected with the worship of the sun; a hole for the fastening thongs at ear-level which originally linked the face-guard to the bowl. 75 grams, 13 cm high



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The spiral decoration of the face-guard is connected with the solar cult. The spiral represents the rotary movement of the sun, and the spiral is probably the oldest known spiritual symbol connected with the sun, together with the swastika or tetragammadion. The connection can also be seen in Celtic art, where the representation of the spiral also follows the path of the sun, describing the movements of the heavenly body over the course of a solar year. The third century was characterised by diffusion of the solar cult, the Sol Invictus, among the Roman soldiers, with its symbols often represented on arms and weapons as an apotropaic element of protection.

Including MK 9 flying suit coveralls (for height 162-172cm, weight greater than 72.64 kg, size 4) with insignia to 825 Squadron (Fleet Air Arm) on shoulder and sewn cleaning and user instruction labels to the interior, shoulders with Flt Lieutenant Officer rank slides; MK3C flying helmet with clear and smoked visors, pig skin and blue velvet lining with electrical headset and adjustable microphone with radio lead and plug; Air Ministry label to interior reading 'Serial number 26396 Large Mk 3C' and AM 'crow's foot'. 2.9 kg, 29 cm



Acquired from J C Militaria, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of JCM listing details and brief squadron research.

825 Squadron was originally formed in 1934 and served during WWII; it was reformed on the outbreak of the Falklands War in 1982 and equipped with ten Sea King helicopters; the squadron was disbanded in September 1982.