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LOT 0302
Italic Bronze Triple-Disc Cuirass
SOUTH-CENTRAL ITALY, 420-350 B.C.
15 3/4 in. (2.72 kg total, 40 cm high including stand).
Matched pair of Samnite triangular breast and backplates, a suite of 'triple-disc' type, each with three repoussé panels with carinated rim, flat spandrel above and curved on the lower sides, with perforated edges to affix to a separate mail garment; rivetted loops to the shoulders for attachment of supporting straps, and similar lateral loops with portion of round-link chain in situ; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceEx Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, Germany (1944-2001).
with Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany.
Ex Art Ancient, London, UK, 2019.
with Sotheby’s, London, Ancient Sculpture and Works of Art, Part II, 8 December 2021, lot 155.
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 no.11941-210864.
Cf. Connolly, P., Greece and Rome at war, London, 1981, pp. 106-108, especially fig.1 p.108 (from Alfedena); Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 1, London, 2002, nos.73,74,79 (AG233); Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, no.91; Lambert, C., Pastore, F., Miti e Popoli del Mediterraneo Antico, scritti in onore di Gabriella d’Henry, Salerno, 2014, fig.4, p.88 (Samnite Grave of Pontecagnano, T1573); others in Axel Guttmann Collection: AG 234/R 49; R 28/AG 135; R 48/AG 233; R 35 zu AG 160; AG 333/H 91; AG 138/R 30.
FootnotesThese breastplates (kardiophylax) were a reduced version of the muscled armour (statos). Many archaeological specimens of this type were found in South Italian graves (Paestum, Alfedena), and are represented on the famous statuette of a Samnite Warrior found in Sicily (Connolly, 1981, p.108) in the Louvre and on many frescoes from Paestum, or are visible on the Campanian and Lucanian pottery, representing warriors (Christie's, 2004, no.90). The triple cuirass is well attested in archaeology, and the finds of Alfadena and Paestum show that it was mainly used by the coastal Samnites. This example is fairly representative of those in which the shoulder and side plates were attached to the front and back plates by rings and hooks. Born suggested that the upper two discs of the cuirass represented the pectoral muscles, the disc below the abdominal muscles.
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
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Italic Bronze Triple-Disc Cuirass
South-Central Italy, 420-350 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,360
Matched pair of Samnite triangular breast and backplates, a suite of 'triple-disc' type, each with three repoussé panels with carinated rim, flat spandrel above and curved on the lower sides, with perforated edges to affix to a separate mail garment; rivetted loops to the shoulders for attachment of supporting straps, and similar lateral loops with portion of round-link chain in situ; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.72 kg total, 40 cm high including stand
Ex Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, Germany (1944-2001). with Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany. Ex Art Ancient, London, UK, 2019. with Sotheby’s, London, Ancient Sculpture and Works of Art, Part II, 8 December 2021, lot 155. 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 no.11941-210864.
These breastplates (kardiophylax) were a reduced version of the muscled armour (statos). Many archaeological specimens of this type were found in South Italian graves (Paestum, Alfedena), and are represented on the famous statuette of a Samnite Warrior found in Sicily (Connolly, 1981, p.108) in the Louvre and on many frescoes from Paestum, or are visible on the Campanian and Lucanian pottery, representing warriors (Christie's, 2004, no.90). The triple cuirass is well attested in archaeology, and the finds of Alfadena and Paestum show that it was mainly used by the coastal Samnites. This example is fairly representative of those in which the shoulder and side plates were attached to the front and back plates by rings and hooks. Born suggested that the upper two discs of the cuirass represented the pectoral muscles, the disc below the abdominal muscles. -
Polish Iron Sabre
17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
Single-edged cutting blade, comprising a cross-shaped hand guard, the blade with a wide curvature widening towards the point, three grooves on the blunt side; later replaced wooden handle with Persian pommel and cross guard. 709 grams, 89.5 cm
Ex private collection of Mr M.B., Mainz, Germany, since the 1980s. Acquired from the above, 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11940-210918.
This sabre blade belongs to no. IIa of Zablocki's classification with a blade of variable curvature and double-edged pronounced yelmen. These sabres were used in the 17th and in the first half of 18th century A.D. -
Roman Pattern-Welded Iron Spatha
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
With double-edged blade of Osterburken-Kemathen Type, fullers with damask pattern (rosette damask technique B.II.I.2), sturdy tang with remains of wood; the blade cleaned and conserved on one side. 659 grams, 85.5 cm
Excellent preserved blade
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. 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. 11923-209660.
