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LOT 1058
Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Pair
11TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 - 2 1/2 in. (33 grams total, 62-64 mm).
Each with four arms tipped with triangular spikes. [2]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market before 2000.
Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
Cf. Tsurtsumia, M., 'Tribolos, a Byzantine Landmine in Byzantion, 2012, pp.413-422, fig.1, for identical specimen
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. 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'.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1058
Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Pair
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Finno-Ugrian Socketted Axehead
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Hand-forged with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin and spur to the rear, socket with flanges to the rear. 548 grams, 17 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
During the mid 13th century, the axes were favourite weapons among Baltic people. For instance the Curonian army included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield and a wide-bladed axe. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Tanged Spearhead
Circa 13th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With leaf-shaped blade and rounded tip, pronounced medial rib and shoulder flanges, short flat-section tang. 255 grams, 31 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The spearhead belongs to type 2 of spearheads according to the classification of Khorasani. A similar specimen was excavated by Negahban in Marlik. -
Roman Bronze Armour Segments
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Comprising four interlocking tongue-shaped segments from a lorica squamata; each with double piercing on the top and the two side edges. 4.4 grams, 45 mm
Ex North American private collection. Acquired privately on the European art market in the 1990s. Property of a Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman.
