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_900x900.jpg "Migration Period Iron Sword with Bronze Pommel")
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_900x900.jpg "Migration Period Iron Sword with Bronze Pommel")
_200x200.jpg "Migration Period Iron Sword with Bronze Pommel")
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LOT 0280
Migration Period Iron Sword with Bronze Pommel
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
35 7/8 in. (707 grams, 91 cm).
A spatha with a double-edged parallel-sided blade, battle nicks to both cutting edges; long tang with a fastening rivet in situ; small trapezoidal bronze pommel.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
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 a search certificate number no.12040-216429.
Cf. Menghin, W., Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, nos.60, 66, 67; Lebedinski, I., Armes et guerriers Barbares au temps des grandes invasions IVème au Vième siècle après J.C., Paris, 2001, pp.126-127; Strassmeir, A., Das Frankische Heer der Merowingerzeit, Berlin, 2019, pp.34-37.
FootnotesThe spatha, often with an elegantly decorated hilt with golden elements, was characterised by a relatively light handle so that the centre of gravity of the weapon was moved towards the tip. The evolution of the 'barbarian' long sword in the west, during the invasions, began around the 5th century.
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:
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LOT 0280
Migration Period Iron Sword with Bronze Pommel
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Stone Ballista Catapult Shot
Roman, 1st-3rd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £26
Roughly spherical stone cobble with impact scar. 973 grams, 81 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The operation of the onager (Latin for 'wild ass') is first mentioned in 353 A.D. by Ammianus Marcellinus in his Res Gestae and more fully in Vegetius's Epitoma Rei Militaris probably written in the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (378-395 A.D.). -
Luristan 'Master of Animals' Bridle Bit
Circa 9th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising: a square-section bar with the ends scrolled in opposite directions; matched pair of outward-facing detailed openwork castings, each cheek-piece showing a god with a horned head above a figural scene with two opposed human figures in profile advancing towards a column with profile animal heads and other detailing; accompanied by a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg total, 19.5 cm wide including stand
From an old private Japanese collection. Acquired from Shimojo Art, Tokyo, Japan, in 2014. From the private collection of a North West London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a previous collection photograph, and the original official Japanese cultural export certificate issued by the Director of Art and Curatorial Division, Cultural Properties Department, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and invoice, dated 7th November 2014. 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 a search certificate number no.12050-217397.
In the Mesopotamian world the forces of chaos are often represented by animals and the gods are seen as the restraining force to these unpredictable powers that could harm the human world. The presence of horns on these figures distinguishes them as being divine and is often found being worn by kings who saw themselves as close to the gods. -
Luristan Arrowhead Collection
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Comprising forty-five arrowheads of various types, including triangular, lanceolate and leaf-shaped; mainly tanged. 550 grams total, 2.9-16.1 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
