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LOT 1139
Medieval Iron Grappling Hook
15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
8 5/8 in. (598 grams, 22 cm).
Retaining a free-running suspension loop. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Tarassuk, L. & Blair, C., Complete Encyclopaedia of Arms & Weapons, London, 1982, p.199 s.v. grappling iron.
FootnotesThe device (manus ferreae) was invented by the Romans in approximately 260 B.C.The grappling hook was originally used in naval warfare to catch ship rigging so that it could be boarded (the famous harpax of Agrippa at the battle of Actium in 31 B.C.), then widely employed in the siege wars.
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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Mexican Iron Rowel Spur
18th-19th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Heelband with geometric motifs, channelling and lozengiform terminals, pierced work neck and large free-running rowel. 252 grams, 22 cm
Acquired from Rusty Old Arms, UK, 2014. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of the ROA invoice and listing. -
Viking Age Iron Sword of Petersen Type X
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising a fine double-edged tapering blade, shallow fullers and defined cutting edges showing traces of employment; short, rectangular-section lower guard and tapering tang, tea-cosy pommel of early type; some restoration. 1.2 kg, 92.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The sword is Petersen type X (Petersen, 1919, pp.158ff) and Oakeshott type XI (1991, pp.53ff.), finding good parallels in various similar Viking and Norman age specimens (Peirce, 2002, pp.115 ff.). The overall proportions of our specimen are eye-catching and it is strikingly similar to a pattern-welded sword found with a large number of other objects, at Camp de Péran, Côtes-d'Armor, France, in a 10th century context, probably linked with the early Norman settlers in Normandy or Norman raids in Brittany (Roesdhal, Wilson, 1992, p.321, cat. n.359; Renaud, 2000, p.100). -
Khazar Silver-Gilt Sword Belt Mount with Warrior
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £374
Square in plan with a slightly convex openwork panel composed of alternating circular cells and leaf-like ovals, central male head with long hair and stylised facial features, possibly wearing a helmet; attachment loop to each corner on the reverse. 8.27 grams, 22 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
