Loading, please wait...
LOT 0258
Norman or Viking Period Iron Four-Plate Helmet
CIRCA 8TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
17 1/4 in. (3.36 kg total, 44 cm high including stand).
Comprising four triangular plates each with curved profile mounted with the frontal and rear plates overlapping the lateral ones, rivetted; two small lateral rings for attachment of cheek-plates; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11754-202772.
See Curtis, H.M., 2,500 Years of European Helmets, North Hollywood, 1978; Denny, N., & Filmer-Sankey, J., The Bayeux Tapestry, London, 1966; Kirpicnikow, A.N., Russische Helme aus dem Frühen Mittelalter, Waffen- und Kostumkunde, 3rd Series, Vol.15, pt. 2, 1973; D’Amato, R., ‘Old and new evidence on East-Roman helmets from the 9th to the 12th centuries,’ in Acta Militaria Medievalia, 2015, XI, pp. 27-157, items fig.23, nn.1-2 and pl.1.
FootnotesThe type of helmet composed from rivetted plates is a long-lived military fashion depicted from Late Antiquity to the medieval period.
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.
-
North-West Persian Bronze Spearhead
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Short triangular two-edged blade with thick midrib, long round-section neck with V-shaped recesses to the lower end, tapering square-section tang. 268 grams, 34.5 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
The spearhead belongs to a typology of spears widespread in the Marlik region, which Negahban divided into two categories. This spearhead belongs to type II, spearheads with triangular blades with rather short blade and shaft with a long tang, the total length of the blade being less than that of the shaft and tang together. -
Byzantine Iron Horse Bit
14th-16th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £135
Composed of arched openwork shanks with looped terminals; one end fitted with large hoops and bar between; one end with a tripartite mouthpiece comprising two collared bars connected by a central hoop; Byzantine or early Ottoman. 340 grams, 19.5 cm
Fine condition.
Collection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s. From an important private Dutch collection.
This type of horse bit is visible on one of the most important equestrian artworks of the 15th century - the Cappella dei Magi by Benozzo Gozzoli, a painting representing the Three Kings visiting Christ, depicted in costumes belonging to the early quarter of 15th century. All the cavalrymen in the artwork had heavy curb-bits (with short and curved shanks, as in our specimen) and heavy, single reins. -
Medieval Iron Hand Cannon Collection
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Each comprising a touch hole to base. 5.6 kg total. 9.5-12 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
At the beginning of the 14th century, among the infantry troops of the Western Middle Ages, developed the use of manual cannons (such as the Italian schioppetti, spingarde, and the German Fusstbusse). The new weapon had, compared to the bow and the crossbow, the advantage of not needing any particular care, of being manufactured more quickly and of being cheaper.
