Post Medieval Iron Socketted Spearhead

Featuring a wedge-shaped blade and a lobed handle; the hilt fitted with an iron plate bending down to form points on each side of the blade, pommel with a discoid brass plate decorated with an incised flower motif. 307 grams, 46 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The term 'ballock dagger' was used in medieval times to describe a dagger with a grip bearing a considerable resemblance to a phallic symbol. It was also called 'kidney dagger' during the Victorian times. The constant characteristic is the presence of two roundish and symmetrical bulbs at the guard, with the grip itself emerging upward between them and flaring slightly towards the top, sometimes being surmounted by a cap.

Comprising a wide double-edged blade of Illerup-Wyhl typology; blood channels and later inlays to both sides. 652 grams, 83 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Specimens of Roman spathae of 2nd-3rd centuries have been found in large numbers in Danish bogs (Nydam, Straubing, Thorsberg, Illerup). The Straubing-Nydam type shows straight and convergent cutting edges, the width of which is reduced along the blade.

Comprising five rectangular-section doubled links with curved fetter and two loops to one end, barrel lock and hasp to the other. 2.2 kg, 87 cm

Fine condition; lock mechanism absent.

Acquired in the 1990s. From an important English collection.