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LOT 0249
Pseudo-Illyrian Chalcidian Variant Bronze Helmet
4TH-1ST CENTURY B.C.
19 in. (4.7 kg total, 48 cm high including stand).
Large rounded two-part bowl rivetted beneath the repoussé crest extending across the brow and around the circumference; repoussé arches above the eyes extending to the nasal; lateral D-shaped cheek-pieces with scallop to the forward edge, pierced for a chin-strap; some restoration of the bowl and one cheek-piece; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
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 search certificate number no.11751-202770.
Cf. Beglova, E.A., Antichnoe nasledie Kubani (Ancient heritage of Kuban) III, Moscow, pp.410-422 (in Russian); Dedjulkin A.V., 'Locally Made Protective Equipment of the Population of North-Western Caucasus in the Hellenistic Period', in Stratum Plus, no. 3, 2014, pp.169-184; Симоненко А.В., 'Шлемы сарматского времени из Восточной Европы' (Sarmatian Age Helmets from Eastern Europe), in Stratum Plus, no.4, 2014, fig.15, no.1.
FootnotesAccording both to Symonenko and Dedjulkin (2014, p.189, fig.9, nn.4-5-6), this category of helmet derives from Chalcidian types (with pseudo-Illyrian elements). As with Chalcidian helmets, our specimen shows vertical decorative lines on the bowl and triangular brow ornament. Distinct from Attic types, it does not have a protruding neck guard introduced on variant III of such helmets (Symonenko, 2014, fig. 15,2-3). According to Dedjulkin, these helmets derive from Greek prototypes, but are simplifications of the original models and made by local artisans. They were widely worn by mercenaries in the Hellenised armies of Pontus and other Hellenistic kingdoms across the Eastern Mediterranean.
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LOT 0249
Pseudo-Illyrian Chalcidian Variant Bronze Helmet
Estimate £5,000 - 7,000€5,800 - 8,120 (for guidance only)$6,750 - 9,450 (for guidance only)
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Luristan Bronze Dagger
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Composed of a leaf-shaped blade, central slightly raised midrib, separately casted hilt with crescentic guard, rivet hole and lozenge-shaped grip. 147 grams, 26.5 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
Early bronze daggers from Luristan and Elam had separate casted hilt. Some scholars suggest that arsenic bronze was used in their production, and the handle was separately cast and rivetted to the hilt. Most scholars (Moorey, Mahboubian, Slotta, Vatandust, Khorasani) agree on a 3rd millennium B.C. dating based on the decoration of the hilt. -
Roman Bronze Armour Double Fastening Hook
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Each a tapering scrolled bar of zoomorphic form representing serpents or other animals with stylised geometric detailing; attachment perforations to both terminals. 32.7 grams total, 63-67 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
In the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D., the Celtic fastening system of the ring mail armour (gallica, lorica ferro aspera) became the standard in the Imperial Roman army, with a pivot attached to the breast and hinged to the edges of the humeralia (shoulder guards). The chest fastener had various different designs. The double hooks, S-shaped and usually with snake-head terminals, were secured by a central rivet on the chest. The system allowed excellent freedom of movement, giving greater protection to the shoulders and the arms. Similar fasteners for infantry mail have been found on the Kalkriese battlefield, some of them also decorated with niello and inscribed with the name of the soldier. -
Viking Age Iron Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,550
Of Petersen Type S variant with a double-edged blade, shallow fullers and a rounded point; boat-shaped upper and lower guard with some remains of silver inlay, the pommel also showing traces of silver decoration. 1.3 kg, 87.5 cm
The structure of the blade is still homogenous but presents delamination on various part, corrosion damage along the edge and deep corrosion and pitting due to permanence in the water.
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. 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 search certificate number no.11756 - 202774.
Viking swords of Type S are commonly found in Nordic countries and in Eastern Europe, with only a small number found in Western Europe. The type was often characterised by splendid decoration achieved with silver and copper inlays, of which here some traces are still visible.