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LOT 1122
Medieval 'Thames' Iron Rowel Spur
15TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (104 grams, 14.5 cm).
Composed of an arched heelband, hanging studs and buckle, together with a multi-armed rowel.
ProvenanceFound in the Thames foreshore at Queenshithe.
Acquired from Rusty Old Arms, 2014.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
Accompanied by an ROA invoice and listing.
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Roman Iron Dagger with Ring Pommel
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Featuring a distinctively shaped ring at the end of the grip, double-edged relatively short blade and a tapered tip. 376 grams, 58 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This kind of sword - called by modern scholars as ringknaufschwert or ring-pommel sword - was firstly diffused amongst the auxiliary troops, probably Sarmatians and Germans, and then, during the 2nd century A.D., was also commonly used amongst the milites legionis and the officers. The shape of their blades is similar to the Pompey typology, but a slightly less acute angle characterises the passage from the blade to the short point. There were longer specimens like spatha, opening the transformation of the legionary gladius in the longer spatha specimens of the successive period, and also shorter specimens. An important dating element for earlier specimens is the sword from the Matrica grave, in Pannonia, dated exactly to 147 A.D. based on the other grave goods. Specimens of the second half of 2nd century A.D. are known from Wehringen and Geneva (180 A.D.). A specimen from Bosnia could be chronologically assigned to the same period, although such kind of swords became much more widespread for infantry and cavalry in later times. However, the importance of such swords has been recently associated with the rank of the provincial officers who used them, including miniature variations of such swords used as pendants as insignia badge of the staff of the Provincial governors. It was connected with the image of the sword and the dagger as a symbol of the Imperial power. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Group
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Mainly of leaf-shaped type with short tangs, including examples with midribs. 268 grams total, 14.5-19 cm
Acquired 1990s. From the collection of a late Japanese weaponry collector. -
Luristan Bronze Short Sword Blade
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Triangular profile with two parallel fullers tapering to a rounded tip, the tang forming an extension of the midrib. 194 grams, 30.7 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
The metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in Luristan were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved.
