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LOT 1376
Medieval Iron Caltrop Anti-Cavalry Group
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
3 - 3 3/4 in. (599 grams total, 77-96 mm).
A group of ten iron anti-cavalry caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. [10, 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 Studia Minora Facultatis Philosophicae Universitatis Brunensis, M 12-13, 2007-2008, pp.115-132, fig.9, nos.2,3,4,5 (type 3 of Žákovský classification).
FootnotesP. Žákovský has been able to classify medieval caltrops, mainly from the 13th to 15th century A.D., on the basis of their morphology, into four main typologies, each with different variants. Caltrops with single-pointed spikes, whose interpretation, however, is often ambiguous belong to type I. The other three types represent classic four-pointed caltrops, and individual types in this group differ from one another just in their cross-section.
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Tudor Period Iron Axehead with Octagonal Socket
16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With curved triangular blade, octagonal socket with languets. 246 grams, 11.9 cm
Private collection, UK, formed 1980s-1990s. -
Viking Age and Later Iron Axehead Group
10th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Mainly comprising socketted axeheads and adzes, together with other items; including at least one stamped with maker's marks. 9.5 kg total, 14.5-28.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
An axe similar to those of our group was found in the fortified camp of Péran, in Brittany, among the objects that emerged from a conflagration due to the attack of Alain Barbetorte's Bretons on a Viking camp, in 936 A.D. These axes were certainly work tools, although in case of necessity they could also serve as improvised weapons. -
Western Asiatic Spiked Bronze Macehead Group
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,350
Comprising: one with two unaligned rows, each with four horizontal spikes, topped by a tooth helping to secure the mace to a wooden shaft; the second with a long socket and a row of six spikes, three pointed and three rounded, double tipped edge for securing the shaft; the third with six horizontal spikes; all with solid heads and hollow tubular sockets; of North-West Iranian typology. 1.35 kg total, 10-15 cm
Acquired from Artemis Gallery, Munich in 1995. European private collection. 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.11997-211853.
A variety of similar bronze mace heads have been recovered in Hasanlu and Marlik, mainly of spiked variety. Excavations at 8th-7th century B.C. War Kabud and Chamzhi-Mumah in Luristan have produced related types, with smaller spikes or knobs and with an elongated socket, like one of our examples. These spiked maces are a specifically Iranian type. In general, they were used from the 9th century B.C. although some scholars support the thesis of their use in the late 2nd-early 1st millennium based on finds from Marlik.
