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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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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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Mongol Silver Belt Mount Group
13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Each with a broader scooped edge tapering to a volute flourish, pellets adorning the perimeter, three medial circular dimples, fourth dimple to the scrolled end, against a field of foliate scrolls and niello fill; each with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 25.7 grams total, 40-41 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
Similar plaques have been found in the burial graves of Mongol commanders and their wives, probably once part of a waist belt from which the sabre and other weapons were hanging. They were found together with arms, unique elements of the costume of fabric and leather, and splendid jewellery of gold and silver. -
Post Medieval Stone Grapeshot Ammunition Collection
Circa 17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Group of spherical grapeshot balls of various sizes. 32 grams total, 14-17 mm
Private collection formed in the 1990s. Acquired from a central London gallery. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Amlash Type Bronze Spearhead
13th-12th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Showing a long tapering blade with rounded shoulders and prominent mid-rib, the tang straight and rectangular in section. 411 grams, 40.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The weapon belongs to the type 1 of the Khorasani spearhead classification, mainly from the Marlik or Amlash areas. Similar pieces have been dated by Stutzinger to 1200-1100 B.C., but the period of use is attested to at least until 1000 B.C.
