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LOT 1059
Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 - 3 3/8 in. (250 grams total, 79-84 mm).
Comprising eight caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. [8, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. Trapp, Graf O., & Scalini, M., L'Armeria Trapp di Castel Coira-The Armoury of the Castle of Chuburg-Die Churburger Rustkammer, Fagnana, 1995-1996, p. 297 (vol. 1), for similar medieval German caltrops.
FootnotesCaltrops 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Iron Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,550
Of Petersen Type S variant with a double-edged blade, shallow fullers and a rounded point; boat-shaped upper and lower guard with some remains of silver inlay, the pommel also showing traces of silver decoration. 1.3 kg, 87.5 cm
The structure of the blade is still homogenous but presents delamination on various part, corrosion damage along the edge and deep corrosion and pitting due to permanence in the water.
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11756 - 202774.
Viking swords of Type S are commonly found in Nordic countries and in Eastern Europe, with only a small number found in Western Europe. The type was often characterised by splendid decoration achieved with silver and copper inlays, of which here some traces are still visible. -
Amlash Type Spearhead
12th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Long, parallel-sided with deep midrib, broad tip, round-section neck with V-shaped recess to each face and thick square-section tang. 468 grams, 47 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
This weapon belongs to the type 1 of the spear-head classification of Khorasani, mainly from Marlik or Amlash areas. Similar pieces have been dated by Stutzinger to 1200-1100 BC. -
Large Luristan Bronze Spearhead
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Composed of a leaf-shaped blade with raised midrib to both faces, broad shaft to flange, tapering tang. 442 grams, 38.7 cm
Private UK collection, 1980s. Ex London gallery.
The spearhead belongs to a typology of spears widespread in the Marlik region, which Negahban divided into two categories. This spearhead belongs to type I, spearheads with long blades, broad midrib, rectangular sectioned tang and reinforced shaft opening to reveal the tang and rounded shoulders.
