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LOT 1199
Roman Bronze Armour Double Fastening Hooks
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (19.6 grams total, 64-66 mm).
Each a scrolled bar formed as a serpent or other animal with stylised geometric detailing; attachment perforations to both terminals. [2]
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Bishop, M.C. & Coulston, J.C.N., Roman military equipment, from the Punic wars to the fall of Rome, London, 2006, p.96, fig.51,3 for similar.
FootnotesIn 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.
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LOT 1199
Roman Bronze Armour Double Fastening Hooks
Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
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Australian Aboriginal Wood Boomerang
19th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £286
Formed with a gently curving profile and showing transverse grooves from the carving technique; bearing handwritten collector's inventory number 'RO518.01.00'. 182 grams, 53 cm
Private U.K. family collection formed in the early 1970s. The property of Mr and Mrs P.R. of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. -
Greek Bronze Chalcidian Helmet
5th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,667
Of Kunze Group VII, formed from two curved segments, each with a flared rim, nasal, raised panels to the upper section of the bowl, repoussé ridge forming curved brows, a recess for the ear to each side; star-shaped attachment to the top with slot for plumes; restored and with replica cheek pieces. 2.7 kg total, 42.5 cm high including stand
Restored, but in general good condition, rare details
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex private Austrian collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a report of metallurgical analytical results, written by metallurgist Dr Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History of Art, University of Oxford. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11763-203979.
Among the Chalcidian helmet types, the fifth and last typology, corresponding to the Kunze group VII (Pflug, 1988, p.138), was characterised by the presence of detached cheek-guards. By the end of the 5th century BC, the fixed cheek-pieces had been entirely abandoned on the Chalcidian helmets for the more versatile hinged cheek pieces. Several district regional workshops produced such helmets by the 5th century B.C.: mainland Greece, the Black Sea Coast, Thrace, Southern Italy and Iberia. -
Australian Aboriginal Throwing Club
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
The round-section shaft with one tapered end and a pointed, bulbous head. 435 grams, 69 cm
Acquired UK market. Property of a Kent collector.
Used for hunting and in warfare. Possibly engraved using a possum tooth.