Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1899
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
15TH-16TH CENTURY 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.
Provenance
Acquired 1960s-1990s.
Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Published
Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 19th June-9th September 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefact on display.
Literature
Cf. Marquardt, K., Eight Centuries of European Knives, Forks and Spoons: an Art Collection, Europe, 1997, pp.28-32, for similar.
Footnotes
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
LOT 1899
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Medieval Period Decorated Silver Ring Group
Circa 14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
One hollow-formed with ellipsoid bezel, one with hexagonal rosette bezel, one with scooped shoulders and disc bezel with scroll motifs, possibly Ottoman or Eastern Mediterranean. 10.3 grams total, 19-21 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Medieval Bronze Ring with Stylised Animal
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising a slender shank and stepped shoulders, rectangular bezel with incised zoomorphic motif. 2.65 grams, 22.80 mm overall, 19.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
The motif may be intended for the agnus dei. -
Medieval Enamelled Gilt Bronze Royal Knight's Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Heater-shaped with raised border and reserved three lions passant gardant on an enamelled field. 5.02 grams, 32 mm
Found Wiltshire, UK.