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LOT 1430
Medieval Iron Caltrop Anti-Cavalry Group
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
2 7/8 - 3 7/8 in. (536 grams total, 72-98 mm).
Comprising ten 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.2,4,6 (type 3 of Žákovský classification).
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.
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Cased Medieval to Tudor 'Published' Iron Crossbow Bolt Collection
12th-16h century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising: 14 crossbow bolts with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, and a tubular socket. 1.24 kg total, 32.5 x 22.5 x 5 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The crossbow, a bow fixed at its centre to a wooden stock, was a formidable weapon reintroduced in Western Europe in 11th century A.D.; it was used by the Genoese crossbowmen, mainly in French service, during the 100 Years War; its heavy bolt could easily penetrate a shield or armour breast plate at close range. -
Cased Roman to Medieval Arrow Teaching Aid Collection
1st century A.D.-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Comprising: a Roman ballista bolt with a pyramidal head; a 15th century iron swallowtail arrowhead; three iron medieval crossbow bolts, with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, tubular socket; two medieval ballista bolts with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, tubular socket; two triangular-shaped arrowheads, with pyramidal head; a triangular Eastern Roman bladed arrowhead with a slightly raised mid-rib; a small Anglo-Saxon arrowhead with lozenge form blade and round socket; all mounted on reconstructed modern shafts with their feathered directional lugs, and presented in a wooden display box. 3.83 kg total, 104 x 22 x 9.5 cm including case
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
Crossbow and bows were the protagonist of the 100 Years War between France and England. The crossbow, a bow fixed at its centre to a wooden stock, was a formidable weapon used by the Genoese crossbowmen, mainly in French service; its heavy bolt could easily penetrate a shield or armour breast plate at close range. The longbow, mainly used by the Welsh archers, was able to pierce armours at greater distance. During the reign of Edward III, the long bow distance was estimated to be 400 yards. The capability of the English and Welsh archers enabled the English to secure a victory over the powerful French Cavalry at the battles of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Short Sword with Mushroom Pommel
Late 2nd-early 1st millennium B.CSold for (Inc. bp): £780
The hilt with mushroom-shaped pommel, round grip, crescentic guard, long sloping blade with rectangular sectioned mid-ridge. 1.04 kg, 56.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
This category of swords has been classified by Khorasani as 'swords with a mushroom pommel' and are usually characterised by a solid-cast hilt with a penannular guard, a ribbed or variously decorated grip and the conical hollow-cast mushroom pommel. Usually the blade is multi-fullered and tapers to a sharp tip. Moorey considers them to be from the end of the 2nd millennium B.C.
