Medieval Iron Arrowhead Group

The bowl forged from a single piece and fitted with removable cheek-pieces; the dome divided into two halves by a carinated ridge, the peaked crown separated from the lower helmet wall by an indented ridge; cut-outs for ears and eyes with raised edges; short, angular neck-guard and short nose-guard extending to the eyebrows; the cheek-pieces with contoured front edge, holes for a chin-strap; remains of textile on the left side of the bowl; accompanied by a display stand. 2.15 kg total, 43 cm high including stand



From the collection of T.K., Germany, 1970s. Acquired in 1992 by Mr R.K. Acquired by the present owner on the UK art market. 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.12782-240166. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Hinged cheek-pieces, like in our specimen, appeared in Thracia during the 4th century, but prototypes from the Pontic area and wider Greece show them already in use in the 5th century B.C. The traces of textile on the left part of our helmet show that it was stored inside a protective item -perhaps a case or bag – guarding it against atmospheric agents or possible damage when not in use.

With flaring triangular-section blade extending to a curved edge, socket with lateral flanges and hammer extension to the rear. 447 grams, 16 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The axe seems to be product of Baltic workmanship. The Curonians were known as fierce warriors and sailors who were involved in several wars and alliances with the Swedish, Danish and Icelandic Vikings. Baltic tribes created an original and impressive set of weaponry. They included battle knives, battle axes and spears and javelins with medium sized heads of a characteristic shape.

Including barbed-and tanged, leaf-shaped, lozengiform and other types. 232 grams total, 41-91 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.