Medieval Iron Knife with Chape

Comprising 29 shafted trilobate and pyramidal points, some with barbs. 108 grams total, 23-36 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The Persians used the bow to forge their empire. They would have used bronze or iron arrows of various types which varied in length from three to four centimetres. Many were trilobite in shape, varying from the simple triangular head, the leaf-shaped head or the triangular head with square-section, tang and directional plumes. The old types, created by the Luristan armourers, were still in use in the Achaemenid period.

The one-piece skull rising to a prominent baluster-shaped finial, facetted upper half, the lower writhen projecting forward to flat obtusely pointed integral peak and backwards to a similar but shorter integral neck-guard, hinged cheek-pieces embossed with a star with four points, an auditory hole between each arm; fitted internally with a quilted canvas lining; with possible punched 'eagle' maker mark to visor projection. 1.54 kg, 24 cm high



with Thomas Del Mar Ltd, 6th December 2017, lot 199. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Thomas Del Mar Ltd catalogue pages and purchase invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11770-203982.

Most original burgonets feature some form of decoration. Rolled and roped edges and pierced cheek-pieces are common, and the finest burgonets were engraved, inlaid and/or selectively coloured and polished. Some were covered in fine cloth in the tradition of sallets. The name seems to be a corrupted form of bourguignotte, the contemporary French term for this helmet type.

A slender crescentic axehead with attachment arms, single rivet hole to each terminal. 418 grams, 26 cm



Ex property of B.C., previously in a 1970s collection. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. Accompanied by a copy of a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity.