Loading, please wait...
LOT 1869
Medieval Socketted Iron Tournament Flail
CIRCA 15TH CENTURY A.D.
20 1/2 in. (364 grams, 52.1 cm).
Comprising: tubular socket with segmented lower ends pieced to accept attachment pins, decorative ring above; short length of chain with butted iron links; heater shield-shaped striker with knop finial and torque to the neck, punched design of a chevron and central pellet; one face with possible maker's mark above the pellet. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American private collection, 1970s-1990s.
PublishedExhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 4th March 2026-7th June 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureCf. Waldman, J. Hafted weapons in medieval and Renaissance Europe the evolution of European staff weapons between 1200 and 1650,Boston, 2005, p.145-150.
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:
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.
-
Roman Lead Slingshot of Quintus Sertorius
Sertorian Wars, 82-72 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Lentoid in form with raised legend to reverse: 'Q.SERT / PPOR C'; casting flange to rim. 57.2 grams, 33 mm
Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
The inscription refers to Quintus Sertorius, the Roman statesman and general (123-72 BC). -
Greek and Scythian Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
A mixed group of socketted and tanged arrowheads. 180 grams total, 16-52 mm
London, UK, collection, 1990s.
In ancient Greek warfare, archers were mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites. -
.jpg)
Urartian Bronze Helmet with Embossed Decoration
9th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,500
A Caucasian or Urartian helmet of domed profile, hammered from a single sheet of metal; radiating rows of small repoussé bosses with interstitial rows connecting larger examples; shallow recess at the forward edge; old accession label to inner face 'AG334'; later pseudo-inscription; some restoration. 1.5 kg total, 41 cm including stand
Ex Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Germany [1944-2001], AG 334, 1990. with Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany, 2008. Private collection, New York, USA. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13262-254403.
The Urartian craftsmen were especially famous for their metalworking skills. However, the shape of this helmet differs considerably from the usual pointed Urartian examples, and shows a strong influence from the Scythian and Moeotic military headgear, which is not surprising if we consider that Urartu had been at war with the Scythian tribes of Caucasus since the 7th century B.C. The remainder of the helmet is its bowl, embossed and decorated, and an unusual recess on the front part. The helmet was used with a padded cap, which probably formed an integral part of the same headgear.
