Dutch Thumb Ring Sword

Rawling's pattern M38 composition tank crew helmet with neck protection plate and ear-flaps, fitted with leather lining with leather and fabric securing straps; finished dark green; with later inked 'CESARE' owner name and '1-5-79' date to liner. 613 grams, 27 cm high



Acquired from Czerny's Auction, lot 81515. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copy of a previous invoice and lot description.

Possibly of Italian manufacture of the type used by US forces in WWII.

From the right side of the face mask, the upper edge with an embossed band of diagonal lines, Jupiter’s eagle embossed to the centre, looking back and holding a laurel crown in its beak; a hole for the fastening thongs at ear-level. 87 grams, 19.7 cm



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

The decoration of Roman weaponry contained themes that were directly associated with state propaganda, as well as with the Imperial cult. As the god-protector of the state and the army, Jupiter was the most esteemed. The combination of an eagle (helmet), Minerva and bust of Mars (armour) can also be understood as an image of dii militares.

Comprising: two matching ogival plates with pellet borders; a trefoil plate with border of radiating lines framing three concentric circle and oval motifs; a plate with five lobes decorated with dashed lines and six concentric oval motifs at the centre; ogival plate with scalloped border, trefoil motif at centre; ogival plate with pellet border divided into three 'petals' by larger single pellets, scrolling vegetal motif; a floral style plate composed of discoid dimples; irregular hexagonal plate, the shape repeated at the centre, pellet border; trilobate plate with three single pellets to the perimeter and pellet border; ogival plate with expanded waist, raised 'wings' and rounded lozenge against a background of radiating lines; nine with three attachment lugs to reverse, one with two lugs. 31.8 grams total, 17-26 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.

The belt fittings find various comparisons with non-ferrous belt appliqués found in the territories of the Volga Bulgars, like specimens from the Semenovsky village. These items were parts of long warrior belts, the leather surfaces decorated all over with such bronze and silver appliqués. Symbols of ranks and elite warrior aristocracy, these belts also served a utilitarian purpose of suspending weapons such as a bow, quiver or a sabre.