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LOT 1723
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
CIRCA 1500 A.D.
7 1/2 in. (37 grams, 19 cm).
Comprising a single cutting edge; scale tang with bifacial pommel engraved with a stylised rayed sun or flowerhead motif.
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.28-31, for similar.
FootnotesThe basic elements of any medieval knife were the blade, the tang and the handle. The junction of blade and tang is termed the shoulder, its shape varying according to the position of the tang on the blade.
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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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.
