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LOT 1074
Mongol Silver Belt Mount Group
13TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (25.7 grams total, 40-41 mm).
Each with a broader scooped edge tapering to a volute flourish, pellets adorning the perimeter, three medial circular dimples, fourth dimple to the scrolled end, against a field of foliate scrolls and niello fill; each with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. [4]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1980s-1990s.
Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
Cf. Ohkonko, N.A., 'A Mongolian Burial Group near Novopavlovka settlement in Stavropol Krai' in Batyr, Traditional Military Culture of the Peoples of Eurasia, no.1, 2010, pp.88-96, fig.7, no.3.
FootnotesSimilar plaques have been found in the burial graves of Mongol commanders and their wives, probably once part of a waist belt from which the sabre and other weapons were hanging. They were found together with arms, unique elements of the costume of fabric and leather, and splendid jewellery of gold and silver.
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Roman Stone and Lead Sling Shot Group
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising two lentoid-section, one a lead glans, and another in stone. 121 grams total, 47-58 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
Both the missiles seem to be of ovoid type, type Ia of the Völling classification. The pair finds parallels with examples unearthed at Ham Hill, Somerset, UK. The sling (funda) with its lead missiles (plumbea pondera or glandae) and stone (lapides) was used by special funditores, illustrated on Trajan’s Column where they are simply dressed in broad tunics with no armour, but carry a shield. A fold in their cloak, or sagulum, acted as an ammunition bag. The effectiveness of the slingers was unquestionable and much appreciated, especially against elephants. Celsus, writing towards the end of the 2nd century A.D., described how a slingshot wound was more dangerous and harder to treat than one inflicted by an arrow. -
Polish Iron Sabre
17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
Single-edged cutting blade, comprising a cross-shaped hand guard, the blade with a wide curvature widening towards the point, three grooves on the blunt side; later replaced wooden handle with Persian pommel and cross guard. 709 grams, 89.5 cm
Ex private collection of Mr M.B., Mainz, Germany, since the 1980s. Acquired from the above, 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11940-210918.
This sabre blade belongs to no. IIa of Zablocki's classification with a blade of variable curvature and double-edged pronounced yelmen. These sabres were used in the 17th and in the first half of 18th century A.D. -
Amlash Type Spearhead Bronze Spearhead Blade
13th-12th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Showing a long tapering blade with rounded shoulders and prominent mid-rib, the tang straight and rectangular in section. 348 grams, 43.4 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The weapon belongs to the type 1 of the Khorasani spearhead classification, mainly from Marlik or Amlash areas. Similar pieces have been dated by Stutzinger to 1200-1100 B.C., but the period of use is attested to at least until 1000 B.C.
