Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1365
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.
Provenance
From 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.
Published
Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 19th June-9th September 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
Literature
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.
Footnotes
The 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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Medieval Bronze Macehead
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Spherical in profile with very broad vertical socket, lattice-pattern to the sidewall forming low studs. 262 grams, 50 mm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s. -
Scythian Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 7th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Each with a slender, lozenge-shaped blade and a socket extending near the tip, base of the socket with a side lug. 130 grams total, 37-57 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
In Greek warfare archery was mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans for the longer-ranks. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites. -
Roman Military Bronze Cavalry Spur
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Crescentic in plan with carinated profile, discoid lug to each end, sturdy square-section ferrous stud to the centre. 45 grams, 64 mm
Private collection, UK, formed 1980s-1990s.
