German Hand-And-A-Half Bastard Sword

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.

With conical sockets, one with foliate head, the other with long triangular head. 480 grams total, 27.5-35 cm



UK private collection, 1990s. Acquired from a provincial auction.

The spear was one of the many weapons of infantrymen and peasants during the Middle Ages. Götz von Berlichingen, who in 15th century A.D. was appointed as the leader of the peasants revolting against the noblemen, was recorded saying that ‘I beheld myself, suddenly encompassed with muskets, spears, and halberds, pointed at me. They cried that I should be their captain, in whether I would or not’.

With lateral seams, attachment holes to lower edge, bowl with tall conical peak; mounted on a custom-made stand. 3.5 kg total, 55.5 cm high including stand



Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, 1980s. Ex central London gallery. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11765-203977.

From the reign of King Tiglatpilesar III (744-727 B.C.) or possibly later. The army of the Neo-Assyrian Empire consisted of large units of cavalry and skilled archers. Mobile workshops and smiths produced vast quantities of arrows and spears that were required while on campaign. The royal palaces of Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud were adorned with reliefs depicting Neo-Assyrian troops including foot soldiers in similar pointed bronze helmets. The helmet was originally bimetallic, made of bronze and iron. Although the iron section is now preserved only in fragments, having deteriorated long ago; the bronze half remains.