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Details
LOT 1391
Late Roman Military Iron 'Dolabra' Trenching Tool
7TH CENTURY A.D.
10 in. (757 grams, 25.5 cm).
Pickaxe with two narrow, opposite and perpendicular cutting edges, central hole for the wooden handle flanked by two oval protrusions.
Provenance
Ex German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Literature
Cf. Menis, G.C., I Longobardi, Milano, 1990, no.IX.7, for similar
Footnotes
This tool was used by Eastern Roman soldiers for trenching work, and it was also suitable for clearing stones, clearing rough terrain, and mining. If necessary, it could also be used as a weapon.
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