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LOT 1766
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
CIRCA 1500 A.D.
7 3/8 in. (23 grams, 18.7 cm).
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.
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.29-31, for similar.
FootnotesExamining 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1766
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Silver Ring with Cross
15th-16th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £520
With carinated shoulders bearing hatching, ellipsoid bezel with incised geometric motifs; possibly a merchant's mark. 14.09 grams, 26.69 mm overall, 21.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s. -
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 engraved with a female figure to one face and an enigmatic design to the other. 35 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
There 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. -
Medieval Bronze Zoomorphic Belt Buckle Plate
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Displaying a regardant griffin advancing left in relief. 13 grams, 39 mm
Acquired from a London antiques shop, 1990s.
