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LOT 1423
Large Romano-British Bronze Military Boss
1ST CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (174 grams total, 74 mm wide).
Substantial cast cupola with dimple to the apex, reverse with two ferrous attachment spikes; possibly from a field artillery piece. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceReputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century.
From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds.
Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.
See Marsden, E.A., Greek and Roman Artillery. Historical Development, Oxford, 1969, for discussion.
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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Belgian Rimfire Pistol
Late 19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
An antique Belgian manufactured single-shot rimfire pocket pistol, the action with separately hinged loading gate and single action hammer with spur trigger; Liege proof marks. 127 grams, 12.5 cm
Fine condition, mechanism does not hold cock.
Acquired on UK art market; previously in a Nottinghamshire, UK, collection. Ex property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.
These small calibre, cheap and often quite crudely made pocket pistols (sometimes known as 'Saturday Night Specials') were popular in the later 19th century as weapons for personal defence; large numbers were made in Europe. Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. -
Byzantine Iron Spathion Sword
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
An Eastern Roman spathion with long, double-edged parallel blade, a tapering, medium length tang, retaining possible remains of the fabrica mark in the middle, near the rivet hole for the handle. 698 grams, 81cm
Acquired 1970-1980. From the collection of a Surrey gentleman. -
Luristan Bronze Horse Harness Cheekpiece
11th-8th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £160
In the form of a righthand side bar, surmounted by two loops for additional straps, ending in a lion's head at the front, the other extremity bending outwards and ending with a conical tip, remains of the iron bar visible on the sides; once belonging to an articulate bit. 130 grams, 13.5 cm wide
Fine condition.
Acquired mid 1980s to early 1990s. Private family collection formed in London, UK.
The association of Psalia in the shape of a bar and with an articulated bit is documented in Assyria, in Media and in central Iran starting from the 10th century B.C., but the zoomorphic elements of this specimen suggest that it was produced in Luristan. The use of articulated bits, which moved inside the horse's mouth, exerting a minimal pressure on the reins, allowed for better control of the mount.