Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

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.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Medieval and Later Published Thimble Collection
    Medieval and Later 'Published' Thimble Collection
    Circa 14th-20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £91

    Including annular, beehive and other types with irregular dimples. 65 grams total, 12-25 mm



    From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

    In England, thimbles first occurred around 1300, probably under the influence of the Hispano-Moresque examples. However, it wasn't until around 1350 that thimbles became objects of everyday use in England.

    Lot Details

  • Medieval and Later Artefact Group
    Medieval and Later Artefact Group
    14th century A.D. and later

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £20

    Including a winder key, belt buckles, Jew's harp and other items. 133 grams total, 19-53 mm



    Private collection, Buckinghamshire, UK; formed in the 1980s. Property of a Scottish collector, acquired in 2013.

    Three buckles from this set can be dated to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries A.D. Very often the pin of these buckles was made of brass, and some were used for the sword's or sabre's baldric, positioned across the right shoulder of the body.

    Lot Details

  • Medieval and Later Bronze Artefact Group
    Medieval and Later Bronze Artefact Group
    Circa 13th-20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £65

    Including buttons, casket key, dress pin, finger rings, buckle frames and other items. 363 grams total, 8-76 mm



    Found on various UK sites since 1974. Property of an Essex collector.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list