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LOT 1127
Eastern Roman Iron Double Axehead
11TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
14 1/8 in. (1.8 kg, 36 cm).
Composed of a central circular socket with flanges, one head with extended lower blade, the other with a wedge-shaped head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Schwarzer, J.K., 'Arms from an eleventh Century Shipwreck', in Graeco-Arabica IV, (1991), pp. 327-350, fig.6 and p.330.
FootnotesThis kind of 'Tzikourion' is found in all the Eastern Roman territories from 11th to 14th century A.D., and in many South East European territories. The overall design and the massive T-shaped hafting socket are very similar to those of an 11th century war axe from Cozanesti, Moldova, and from various14th century A.D. specimens from Bulgaria.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Roman Bronze Armour Double Fastening Hooks
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Each a scrolled bar with gently carinated upper face, formed as serpents or other animals with stylised geometric detailing; attachment perforations to one terminal. 16.5 grams total, 65 mm each
Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
In the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D., the Celtic fastening system of the ring mail armour (gallica, lorica ferro aspera) became the standard in the Imperial Roman army, with a pivot attached to the breast and hinged to the edges of the humeralia (shoulder guards). The chest fastener had various different designs. The double hooks, S-shaped and usually with snake-head terminals, were secured by a central rivet on the chest. The system allowed excellent freedom of movement, giving greater protection to the shoulders and the arms. Similar fasteners for infantry mail have been found on the Kalkriese battlefield, some of them also decorated with niello and inscribed with the name of the soldier. -
Iron Age Celtiberian Dagger
Circa 6th-5th century B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Featuring a leaf-shaped double-edged iron blade, shallow fullers tapering to a point, short straight quillons, a soldered two-part grip with ridged middle bulge, the flat pommel surmounted with two spherical finials. 255 grams, 31 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
This type of dagger presents a plate handle system, very similar to that of the Fronton sword and bilobular types, but unlike these, it develops to an antenna terminal on the pommel. It is a type of dagger that is documented in peninsular necropoleis of Hispania from the Iron Age II, such as La Mercadera, Requijana de Gormaz or Uxama. It is type V of short antennae daggers according the classification of F. Quesada Sanz, a possible ancestor of the Roman pugio. -
Mexican Iron Rowel Spur
18th-19th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Heelband with geometric motifs, channelling and lozengiform terminals, pierced work neck and large free-running rowel. 252 grams, 22 cm
Acquired from Rusty Old Arms, UK, 2014. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of the ROA invoice and listing.
