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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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Medieval Iron Grappling Hook
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Retaining a free-running suspension loop. 598 grams, 22 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The device (manus ferreae) was invented by the Romans in approximately 260 B.C.The grappling hook was originally used in naval warfare to catch ship rigging so that it could be boarded (the famous harpax of Agrippa at the battle of Actium in 31 B.C.), then widely employed in the siege wars. -
Mongol Silver Belt Mount Group
13th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £89
Each with a broader scooped edge tapering to a volute flourish, pellets adorning the perimeter, three medial circular dimples, fourth dimple to the scrolled end, against a field of foliate scrolls and niello fill; each with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 25.7 grams total, 40-41 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
Similar plaques have been found in the burial graves of Mongol commanders and their wives, probably once part of a waist belt from which the sabre and other weapons were hanging. They were found together with arms, unique elements of the costume of fabric and leather, and splendid jewellery of gold and silver. -
Luristan Bronze Sword with Hilt
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Composed of a double-edged triangular blade with lentoid cross-section, long lower guard with strip extensions to both faces and edges, iron grip, bronze cotton-reel pommel. 635 grams, 35.5 cm
Ex West German collection, Cologne. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
