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LOT 1082
Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 - 4 in. (505 grams total, 8.7-10 cm).
Comprising eight anti-cavalry caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. [8, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Žákovský, P., ‘Caltrop. Contribution to the knowledge of one neglected weapon (in Bohemian language)’ in Studia Minora Facultatis Philosophicae Universitatis Brunensis, M 12-13, 2007-2008, pp.115-132, fig.9, no.4 (type 3 of Žákovský classification).
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.
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Siamese 'Wild Tigers Corps' Type 62 Pattern 1907 Bayonet and Scabbard
Dated 1919 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Stamped 2642 in Thai numerals at top of blade with 'tiger mask' mark for Siam, together with original British marks, fitted with wood grip scales and spring release button; the scabbard with original throat and chape, modified in Thailand to replace the original leather main section. 726 grams, 58.5 cm
Property of a Luton, UK gentleman, by inheritance.
The Type 62 is a re-badged British Pattern 1907 bayonet. Siam purchased 10,000 SMLE rifles and Pattern 1907 bayonets from Britain in 1919 to equip the 'Wild Tiger Corps', royal bodyguard of Vajiravudh, King Rama VI (reigned 1910–1925). The tiger figural on the ricasso is representative of the Wild Tiger Corps. Year 2462 on the Buddhist Calendar corresponds to 1919. SMLE rifles and Pattern 1907 bayonets were taken from British stocks, refurbished by Birmingham Small Arms (BSA), and remarked with Siamese markings. The bayonets were shipped with standard steel-mounted leather scabbards. However, the leather rapidly deteriorated in the tropical climate, so the Siamese made a replacement steel scabbard body to which the original steel mounts were brazed. -
Ceremonial Polearm with Wooden Shaft
Circa 18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Iron-headed 'Lucerne hammer' on a short wooden shaft; the hammer-face with three sturdy spikes, square-section spearhead above and curved bec de corbin to the rear with two short lateral spikes, languets extending down the faces of the shaft. 2 kg, 1.8 m
Acquired UK art market, 1980s-1990s. Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman collector. -
Pre-Achaemenid Bronze Short Sword with Bifurcated Pommel
Circa 8th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,400
The blade with mid-rib divided in five vertical lines, emerging from the mouth of two stylised lion-heads, the eyes recessed to accept red inlay; the grip and upper part of the blade with incised spiral decoration; the ribbed pommel with twin roundels, each decorated with a recessed six-petalled rosette, traces of red pigment still visible. 665 grams, 50 cm
Ex old English collection. London art market, pre 2000. Property of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11974-210547.
Examples of swords and daggers with the guard in the form of addorsed animal heads with the blade projecting from the mouths are known from Assyrian reliefs (for example on the orthostats from Tell al Rimah).
