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LOT 1066
Khazar Gilt Sword Belt Buckle and Mount Group
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 - 2 3/8 in. (67 grams total, 37-59 mm).
Comprising four gilt copper-alloy sword belt fittings: a large buckle plate with ogival head and trefoil plate; a buckle with roughly D-shaped loop and shell-style plate, triangular-section tongue; a buckle composed of an oval head and roughly rectangular plate decorated with an X-motif and enigmatic forms in each quarter, articulate tongue; a C-section mount displaying raised floral vines. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1980s-1990s.
Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
Cf. Zakharow, A., Arendt, W., Studia Levedica, Archaeologischer Beitrag zur Geschichte der Altungarn im IX JH., Budapest, 1935, fig.12, p.24 (buckle), for a nearly identical specimen.
FootnotesThese wonderful fittings show similarities with examples from the Caucasus and Kuban regions. They show parallels with specimens from the Verchne-Szaltovo area, for example a bronze buckle from the catacomb grave no.11.
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:
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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. -
United States M38 Tank Crew Helmet
Circa 1940's A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Rawling's pattern M38 composition tank crew helmet with neck protection plate and ear-flaps, fitted with leather lining with leather and fabric securing straps; finished dark green; with later inked 'CESARE' owner name and '1-5-79' date to liner. 613 grams, 27 cm high
Acquired from Czerny's Auction, lot 81515. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copy of a previous invoice and lot description.
Possibly of Italian manufacture of the type used by US forces in WWII. -
Viking Age Iron Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,550
Of Petersen Type S variant with a double-edged blade, shallow fullers and a rounded point; boat-shaped upper and lower guard with some remains of silver inlay, the pommel also showing traces of silver decoration. 1.3 kg, 87.5 cm
The structure of the blade is still homogenous but presents delamination on various part, corrosion damage along the edge and deep corrosion and pitting due to permanence in the water.
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 search certificate number no.11756 - 202774.
Viking swords of Type S are commonly found in Nordic countries and in Eastern Europe, with only a small number found in Western Europe. The type was often characterised by splendid decoration achieved with silver and copper inlays, of which here some traces are still visible.
