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LOT 1137
Medieval Iron Crossbow Bolt Group
CIRCA 12TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 - 4 5/8 in. (682 grams total, 4.6-11.7 cm).
Mainly comprising socketted bolts with tapering and facetted square-section tips. [20]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Michalak, A., Arma confinii, przemiany późnośredniowiecznej broni na rubieżach Śląska, Wielkopolski, Branderburgii i Łużyc (Arma confinii, transformations of late medieval weapons on the borders of Silesia, Wielkopolska, Brandenburg and Lusatia, in Polish), Zielona Gora, 2019, pls.92-128, for similar projectiles.
FootnotesIn medieval warfare crossbows were of great importance, used especially by infantry. An improvement of their effectiveness by inceasing the weight of projectiles as well the strength of the bow caused a clear evolution of body defences between 13th and 15th centuries A.D.
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AUCTIONS:
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South German Burgonet Helm
Circa 1560-1570 A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
The one-piece skull rising to a prominent baluster-shaped finial, facetted upper half, the lower writhen projecting forward to flat obtusely pointed integral peak and backwards to a similar but shorter integral neck-guard, hinged cheek-pieces embossed with a star with four points, an auditory hole between each arm; fitted internally with a quilted canvas lining; with possible punched 'eagle' maker mark to visor projection. 1.54 kg, 24 cm high
with Thomas Del Mar Ltd, 6th December 2017, lot 199. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Thomas Del Mar Ltd catalogue pages and purchase invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11770-203982.
Most original burgonets feature some form of decoration. Rolled and roped edges and pierced cheek-pieces are common, and the finest burgonets were engraved, inlaid and/or selectively coloured and polished. Some were covered in fine cloth in the tradition of sallets. The name seems to be a corrupted form of bourguignotte, the contemporary French term for this helmet type. -
Medieval Iron Knife with Chape
Circa 14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
The undulating blade with a single cutting edge, guard and tang, together with a chape (belonging) with decorative incising. 159 grams, 26 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
Medieval Iron Artefact Collection
14th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising axeheads of different types, together with a pickaxe with a small hammer-style butt. 5.48 kg total, 16-30 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Various axes of similar types have been recovered from the colonies of the New World. One of our specimen seems to be a French hatchet marked with a cross and circle, like the one found in the estate of Tom Wnuck.