Medieval Bronze Artefact Group

Consisting of two sections joined with bronze rivets; above a domed section with row of rivets; below, a folded band with rolled rim, with rivets to the rear holding two halves; line of holes to the base for securing an inner lining. 2.2 kg total, 31.5 cm high including stand



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex private Austrian collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a metal analysis and appraisal by Dr Brian Gilmour. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11764-203980.

The upper part of the helmet was probably modified in antiquity, the lower part of the eye holes and the cheek pieces have been cut away, and replacement cheek pieces, now lacking, were once crudely rivetted to the sides.

Composed of four arms tipped with triangular spikes. 24 grams, 73 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.

Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73; 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'.

Composed of arched openwork shanks with looped terminals; one end fitted with large hoops and bar between; one end with a tripartite mouthpiece comprising two collared bars connected by a central hoop; Byzantine or early Ottoman. 340 grams, 19.5 cm

Fine condition.

Collection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s. From an important private Dutch collection.

This type of horse bit is visible on one of the most important equestrian artworks of the 15th century - the Cappella dei Magi by Benozzo Gozzoli, a painting representing the Three Kings visiting Christ, depicted in costumes belonging to the early quarter of 15th century. All the cavalrymen in the artwork had heavy curb-bits (with short and curved shanks, as in our specimen) and heavy, single reins.