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LOT 0250
Iron Age Celtic La Tene Dagger
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
13 3/4 in. (525 grams total, 35 cm high including stand).
Featuring a gently curved single-edged iron blade and one-sided fuller, curved handle with knot pommel; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceDutch art market.
Private collection of K.S., Cologne, Germany, acquired 1996.
Cf. Tasic, N., Scordisci and the native population in the Middle Danube Region, Belgrade, 1992, nos.84-90, and especially no.88, for similar specimen in iron; Various, I Daci, Catalogue of the exhibition, Milan, 1997, cat.113.
FootnotesOne of the military insignia of a Celtic warrior was the war-knife, usually between 33 and 35 cm long. For example, in the collection of Celtic military equipment from Galish-Lovachka, the archaeologists have found a short sword with an X-shaped handle (l = 41 cm), two middle La Tène swords (72.5 and 75 cm long), 12 large curved knives, 27 spearheads, two javelin heads, 14 arrowheads, and nine iron chain belts for hanging a sword. The war-knife was also used for hunting, as a spare weapon, or to cut the throat of an enemy in a surprise attack.
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LOT 0250
Iron Age Celtic La Tene Dagger
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Armour Squama Scales Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Mixed group of semi-rigid bronze scales with scalloped lower edges, pierced for attachment; together with two small panels of articulated lamina scales. 30 grams total, 10-65 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
A new form of rigid scale-armour, typified by pieces found in Britannia (Corbridge, Carlisle), Pannonia (Musov), Moesia (Iron Gates) and in various other provinces of the empire, was introduced earlier in the Antonine Period, and continued for all of the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D. The new body protection was realised with scales attached by wire to each of their four neighbouring scales. These new scales tended to be not only very small, but also long and slender and needed to be carefully shaped around the neck. -
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. -
Urartian Bronze Cuirass Belt with Animals
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Displaying two repoussé registers of animals including lions, antelope and birds processing right between geometric borders, stylised flower heads to one terminal; attachment perforations to upper and lower edges; one rounded terminal, one terminating with a narrow arm and D-shaped lug; mounted on an adjustable custom-made display stand. 6.4 kg total, 35 cm high including stand
some restoration.
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by 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.11745-202242.
Protective belts were very popular in the Caucasus, especially among the Urartians, decorated with geometric motifs, or with images of warriors, animals, hunting and mythological tales. They were regarded as a personal item and eventually buried with the warrior.
