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LOT 1132
Medieval Decorated Bronze Macehead Group
14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (155 grams total, 46 mm each).
Each with four large triangular-shaped projections flanked by smaller projections; decorated with groups of ring-and-dot ornaments. [2]
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK, formed in the 1980s.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
Cf.Gilliot, C., Weapons and Armours, Bayeux, 2008, pp.160-161, for similar maceheads.
FootnotesThe polygonal mace evolved into the hexagonal winged mace. Originating in the East, this weapon spread across Eastern Europe during the 13th century A.D., and from there to the West. The winged mace, used by the western Europeans, was almost certainly based upon Eastern Roman or Islamic prototypes. It is relevant to note that the polygonal mace was widely used by the eastern cavalrymen (like Turkish and Mongols), during the 14th century A.D.
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AUCTIONS:
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Khazar Silver-Gilt Sword Belt Hanger
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £140
Formed as leaves or a flower bud with volutes emerging from a rectangular frame at the upper end, also with volutes, integral loop above; two mounting lugs to the reverse. 6.03 grams, 27 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
In the development of the Seversky Donets basin, together with the Alans and other bearers of the cremation rite, archaeology confirms the presence of tribes who practiced inhumation funeral rite with the eastern orientation of the dead (Netailovsky ground burial). Elements of belt sets, typical for this period, were found in these graves. Elements of the belt set similar to those found in the burials of the Netailovsky burial ground mainly come from the so-called ‘under-barrow burials with ditches’ of the 7th - first half of the 8th centuries, identified with the Khazars proper. Floral decoration of the belt elements, like this one, can be regarded as evidence of intensive contacts between the Khazars and Byzantium. -
Avar-Byzantine Silver-Gilt Sword Belt Mount Group
7th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Comprising six mounts: four 'floral' plates composed of six raised pellet-in-ring motifs arranged around a central hole, some mounting lugs remaining to the reverses; an openwork knotwork type with three mounting lugs to reverse; a hollow-formed rectangular plate with one rounded end, granulated borders framing granulated clusters arranged in orderly rows around a central arm and piercing; granulated border to reverse. 25.1 grams total, 18-48 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
This type of belt element decorated with granulation, is present in the Avar graves of the second half of the 7th century, and was most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts (tomb of Kunbàboni) or spoils of war. They were part of multiple belts, to which sabers and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 7th and 8th centuries AD. -
Iron Age Celtic Sacrificed Sword and Axehead Group
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Ritualistically bent in the middle of the blade; together with two socketted axeheads, one Roman, one Celtic. 1.25 kg total, 10-60 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
