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LOT 0266
Medieval Iron Hand and Half Sword with Polyhedral Pommel
LATE 14TH-EARLY 15TH CENTURY A.D.
39 3/8 in. (1.26 kg, 1 m).
Of Oakeshott's Type XVIIIa or b, cross style 11, pommel style I1; strongly tapering pointed blade with straight edges and evident battle nicks; straight cross guard, long grip and an octagonal pommel. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureSee Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Oakeshott, E., The sword in the Age of the Chivalry, Woodbridge, 1964 (1994); Oakeshott, E., Records of the Medieval Sword, Woodbridge, 1991; Oakeshott, E., Sword in hand, London, 2001 (2007); similar specimen in Oakeshott, 1991, p.187, sword formerly in the collection D’Acre Edwards, now on loan to the Royal Armouries (pommel T.5, facetted and cross-style of type 4).
FootnotesThis magnificent example was well-suited to a cut-and-thrust style of fighting, a logical development of the Oakeshott XVI typology. This is mainly visible in the specimens of typology XVIIIb, typical of English effigies and brasses between 1370-1425. Because the previous types of swords were practically useless against the fully armoured man-at-arms, Western European warfare needed a sword capable of piercing the weak points of the enemy's protective equipment, leading to the development of types XV, XVI and XVII, and eventually of type XVIII. The subtypes XVIIIa and b had a longer blade, and type XVIIIb was a very long-gripped bastard sword. This word (often referred to as ‘hand-and-a-half sword’) was applied through the late Middle Ages to the long-gripped weapons. Marc de Vulson, writing on the occasion of a duel fought in 1549 before Henry II of France, stated 'Deux epées bâtardes, pouvant servir à une main ou à deux' (two bastard swords able to serve with one hand or with two).
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LOT 0266
Medieval Iron Hand and Half Sword with Polyhedral Pommel
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
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Marlik Type Bronze Decorated Spearhead
13th-12th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £160
With a long blade, broad midrib, rectangular-section long tang, engraved reinforced shaft and rounded shoulders. 481 grams, 43 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
In this category (Type II of the Khorasani typology) the blade has three fullers, and the shaft is usually engraved with diagonal lines. Similar spearheads were excavated by Dr Negahban in Marlik. -
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Large Byzantine Silver Archer's Ring
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Comprising a hoop with reserved triangular ornament on the edges and triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.61 grams, 34.77 mm overall, 25.16 mm internal diameter
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Archer rings in Late Byzantium and the medieval Balkans were connected with the employment of the powerful composite bow, but very often, in the 14th century they served as insignia of rank for aristocratic noblemen. Archaeological findings of archers’ rings originate mainly from fortified towns, including mining centres. Many were made in bone, simple in design and undecorated. In contrast, the ones made in bronze and silver were usually decorated in rather uniform style, consisting of floral motifs on the head, mostly tulip and foliage, and linear motifs around the edges. This decoration combined Turkish, Central European and Eastern Roman traditional patterns. -
Viking Age and Later Iron Axehead Group
12th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Mainly comprising socketted axeheads and hammer-butt adzes, together with other weapons. 9.5 kg total, 16-23.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
On type of axehead here presented, with similar specimens found in the territories of the Teutonic Order, was by far the most popular form of axe which remains unchangeable and continues to be used in the Baltic to this day. It appears in East European territories as early as the mid 13th century A.D.
