Lead Musket Ball Collection

Comprising a Roman U-shaped spur with lateral lugs and prick spur; an Anglo-Saxon iron spur with barley twist body and small terminals. 254 grams total, 82-83 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

The Romans employed a light spur (calcar) made of bronze or iron, U-shaped and barely covering the heel. To the rear of the spur was a small point, and this form continued to be in use through the early Medieval period. The Saxon spurs were very similar to the Roman examples, although slightly larger and with a more spiked point.

Comprising four tips with triangular blades; each with a raised midrib and a long tang. 143 grams total, 13.5-18.2 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Although some of them are different in shape, these arrowheads are apparently related types of a polythetic group. Two basic deltoid forms are represented: one has a sharp, flat blade, the ends of which extend to form wings or barbs, and a prominent midrib extending into a long tang that often has a stop; the blade shape varies from deltoid to more manifestly triangular. The other form has no barbs, but it has a prominent midrib extending to the tang, and a narrow leaf-shaped blade.

Including leaf-shaped, barbed, and other types, all tanged, except one socketted. 428 grams total, 9.5-15.6 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Majority of these arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A and C according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik and Northern Iran individuated by Negahban, subtypes A and C of type V are larger arrow heads with barbed shoulders and triangular heads. Very interesting is the socketted type: Greek, dated at the 8th century B.C.