Loading, please wait...
LOT 1026
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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Circa 11th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With a piriform body and domed mouth; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 603 grams, 11.8 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also in bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Pair
11th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Each with four arms tipped with triangular spikes. 33 grams total, 62-64 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73; 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'. -
Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising eight caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. 398 grams total, 76-95 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
