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LOT 0248
Iron Age Celtiberian Dagger
CIRCA 6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C. OR LATER
12 1/4 in. (255 grams, 31 cm).
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.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Nieva, I.F., Zubillaga, E.G., 'Las armas de las necropolis Celtibericas de Carasta y La Hoya (Alava, Espana), Tipologia de sus punales y prototipos del Pugio' in Journal of Roman Military Equipment Studies, 8, 1997, pp.137-150, fig.5, 2; Quesada Sanz, F., ‘Gladius Hispaniensis: an archaeological view from Iberia’ in Journal of Roman Military Equipment Studies, JRMES, 8, 1997, pp.251-270.
FootnotesThis 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Iron Hand-And-A-Half Sword
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Of Oakeshott type XVIIIa or b with a strongly tapering blade of flattened diamond-section without fullers; the lower guard gently curving towards the blade, long grip; pommel of style T1 in the form of a truncated wedge. 1.35 kg, 1.07 m
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. 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 searcher certificate number no.11759-202773. -
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Post Medieval Horseman's Axe
Late 17th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £546
Featuring an openwork blade stamped with maker's marks on both faces: three punched starburst marks to one face, starburst and cross with two pellets to the reverse; later wooden shaft, collar and rivet. 740 grams, 67 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Viking Rus Silver-Gilt Sword Belt End Group
10th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £120
Comprising four sword belt strap ends of roughly rectangular form, with one rounded or gabled end and one fishtail end, each bearing a different nielloed decorative scheme, comprising: one with split front plate bearing geometric foliage framed by radiating lines to the perimeter; one with pelletted border and medial scrolled bar; one displaying a medial row of circular recesses and surrounding circular motifs; one decorated with five medial circular recesses on a ground of foliate forms, pellet border; all with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 34 grams total, 37-50 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
During the medieval period, belts had a range of functions. They girdled the clothes and enabled suspension of small items such as knives, whetstones, purses and leather bags. The decoration of the belt depended on the social status of its owner: peasants wore woven and simple leather straps, whereas large feudal lords, prominent warriors, and princes wore golden belts, which were passed down through the generations.
