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LOT 1836
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
CIRCA 1500 A.D.
6 3/4 in. (35 grams, 17 cm).
Comprising a single cutting edge and scale tang; bifacial pommel engraved with a female figure to one face and an enigmatic design to the other.
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Cf. Marquardt, K., Eight Centuries of European Knives, Forks and Spoons: an Art Collection, Europe, 1997, pp.28-32, for similar.
FootnotesThere were four essential ways to carry the small knifes in late Middle Ages: a) with the scabbard tucked diagonally behind belt, without suspension loop; b) without scabbard, simply thrust through the purse of the belt; c) with the scabbard tied horizontally at waist with suspension holes in the widened handle flap; d) suspended vertically from thong looped over the belt, in the scabbard.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1836
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Gold Strap End
15th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
With rectangular-section hollow-form body and two rivets to one edge. 2.49 grams, 22 mm
Very fine condition.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Medieval Silver-Gilt Jewelled Cross with Inscription
14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Set with a central cabochon-cut amethyst, rounded knops with textured detailing to the end of each arm, integral loop for suspension; to the reverse, the name 'HENRI' inscribed on the vertical axis, the acronym 'AGLA' horizontally, a Maltese cross to the centre. 2.95 grams, 31 mm
UK art market, acquired prior to 1985. From the collection of a North American gentleman, acquired in 2012.
The acronym 'AGLA' stands for the Hebrew phrase 'Atah gebur le-olam Adonai', meaning 'Thine Is The Power Throughout Endless Ages, O Lord'; it was used particularly in exorcisms, healing and divination, and was associated with Rosicrucianism. -
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
Circa 1500 A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Comprising a single cutting edge and scale tang, bifacial pommel incised with a female figure possibly holding an arrow to one face and what is apparently a mythical beast or other animal to the other. 23 grams, 18.7 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Examining the medieval miniatures, the knives were diagonally suspended, but the vertical suspension was the most common method in all periods. With the contrivance of an additional inner scabbard it was possible to carry more than one knife.
