Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Amarlu Type Bronze Short Sword
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,755
Composed of a massive triangular blade with a slightly raised mid-rib flanked by three parallel rows on each side, the guard formed with a pronounced trident shape, ornamented with small geometric square recesses, the hilt with square-section grip incised with four vertical rows of similar square recesses, double broad crescentic open pommel surmounted by a broad raised median rib which links the double crescentic halves; repaired. 911 grams, 53 cm
One horn cracked and repaired
Acquired 1970s-1980s. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Moorey, analysing similar swords found in Amarlu, stated that the blade and tang were made first, forged to shape by hammering at a high temperature. The next step was to cover the tang with a clayed material. Once dry, this material formed the core for the casting. Then a hollow mould of the exact shape of the shoulder, grooved hilt and pommel was made around the clay core covering the tang. Finally, liquid metal was poured into the mould. The weapon was then finished by hammering the pommel and shoulder to the hilt. -
.jpg)
Post Medieval Iron Socketted Spearhead
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Composed of a tapering tubular socket and short triangular blade. 158 grams, 28.5 cm
Fair condition.
Acquired on the UK art market before 1980. Private British collection 1980. Private collection of a Devonshire, UK, collector. -
Siamese 'Wild Tigers Corps' Type 62 Pattern 1907 Bayonet and Scabbard
Dated 1919 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Stamped 2642 in Thai numerals at top of blade with 'tiger mask' mark for Siam, together with original British marks, fitted with wood grip scales and spring release button; the scabbard with original throat and chape, modified in Thailand to replace the original leather main section. 726 grams, 58.5 cm
Property of a Luton, UK gentleman, by inheritance.
The Type 62 is a re-badged British Pattern 1907 bayonet. Siam purchased 10,000 SMLE rifles and Pattern 1907 bayonets from Britain in 1919 to equip the 'Wild Tiger Corps', royal bodyguard of Vajiravudh, King Rama VI (reigned 1910–1925). The tiger figural on the ricasso is representative of the Wild Tiger Corps. Year 2462 on the Buddhist Calendar corresponds to 1919. SMLE rifles and Pattern 1907 bayonets were taken from British stocks, refurbished by Birmingham Small Arms (BSA), and remarked with Siamese markings. The bayonets were shipped with standard steel-mounted leather scabbards. However, the leather rapidly deteriorated in the tropical climate, so the Siamese made a replacement steel scabbard body to which the original steel mounts were brazed.
