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LOT 1539
Medieval Iron Ballock Dagger with Reproduction Hilt and Sheath
15TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
14 3/8 in. (222 grams, 36.5 cm).
The tapering blade with a single cutting edge; modern replica leather scabbard decorated with 'fleur de lys' and wooden handle with bulbous guard and pommel. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
From the private collection of a Kent, UK, gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Mills, N., Medieval Artefacts, Witham, 2003, p.95, for a similar 15th century specimen of ballock-kidney dagger with a bone handle.
FootnotesThe term 'ballock dagger' was used in medieval times to describe a dagger with a grip bearing a considerable resemblance to a phallic symbol. It was also called 'kidney dagger' during the Victorian times. The constant characteristic is the presence of two roundish and symmetrical bulbs at the guard, with the grip itself emerging upward between them and flaring slightly towards the top, sometimes being surmounted by a cap.
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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LOT 1539
Medieval Iron Ballock Dagger with Reproduction Hilt and Sheath
Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
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Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising leaf-shaped, triangular tanged and other types. 156 grams total, 47-92 mm
From a London collection, 1990s-2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Large Luristan Bronze Sword
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
With prominent lateral wings to the shoulder, midrib extending from the ricasso to the tip and developing to form the tang. 378 grams, 53 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. 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. -
Viking Age Bearded Axehead
9th-10th century ADSold for (Inc. bp): £351
A hand-forged side-axehead with square-section socket, broad blade offset with extension to the lower edge. 838 grams, 17 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 belongs to the type C of Petersen classification. They are axes of Eastern type, of narrow bearded type, characterised by an almost completely round hole for the shaft, rather than the more triangular or drop shape we see on the western typologies.
