Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0268

Roman Bronze and Iron Military Horse Bit

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

10 1/4 in. (377 grams, 26 cm).

Comprising a pair of curved iron bars linked at the centre, loop at each outer end attached to a substantial flat-section ring with lateral lug pierced to accept a strap. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Literature

Cf. James, S., Excavations at Dura Europos 1928-1937. VII The Arms, Armour and Other Military Equipment, London, 2004, p.66-7.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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.

LOT 0268

Roman Bronze and Iron Military Horse Bit

Sold for (Inc. bp): £364

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Roman Pompey the Great Lead Slingshot
    Roman 'Pompey the Great' Lead Slingshot
    1st century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £286

    Biconical lead slingshot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 75 grams, 51 mm



    From a Spanish collection. From the collection of a London antiquarian. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled 'Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa'. Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence 2022/07273.

    The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles were made of different materials: lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, like our specimen.

    Lot Details

  • Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
    Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
    3rd-2nd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £60

    With wide swept blade, large socket with shallow raised circumferential rib, hammer to the rear. 1.34 kg, 19 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

    Lot Details

  • Migration Period Iron Sword with Rock Crystal, Gold and Garnet Sword Bead
    Migration Period Iron Sword with Rock Crystal, Gold and Garnet Sword Bead
    5th-6th century A.D.

    Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £600

    Comprising a double-edged blade with pointed tip, battle nicks to both cutting edges; short bronze guard and a long tang; accompanied by a facetted rock crystal hilt pendant with a granulated gold mount above, set with a garnet cabochon; Eastern Roman or Alano-Gothic. 750 grams, 4-91.5 cm



    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.12041-216428.

    A characteristic type of the Migration period, originally used by nomadic people such as the Alans and Sarmatians. An important element of these swords was the presence (in tombs) of amber or rock crystal fittings, which some authors have identified being part of the pommel (Zasetskaya), and others as pendants hanging from the hilt of the sword. Interestingly the sword of grave 9 from the Necropolis of Novohryhorivka is decorated with a similar pendant, made of amber and fitted with a silver mount decorated with a filigree border.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list