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.

CONDITION

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LOT 1391